Lost his last election, in 2000, with 42% of the vote.
Bill C-20 December 14th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs often talks about the 1982 constitution as if it were the eighth wonder of the world, but it is a wonder that was imposed on Quebec against the will of its national assembly, a wonder that even tired old federalists do not accept.
Will the minister finally realize that no Quebec premier, not even Robert Bourassa, ever wanted to sign that constitution, and that no one in Quebec will ever sign it?
Points Of Order December 14th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, I ask for the unanimous consent of the House to table a document which will enlighten all members of this place. It is the “Loi sur la consultation populaire du Québec”, a pillar of our democracy.
Committees Of The House December 13th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, first I would like to congratulate my colleague from Beauport—Montmorency—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île-d'Orléans. He is very eloquent.
He speaks with zest and spirit, as we saw this afternoon. He also has a number of ideas on the issue of transportation. He must certainly have ideas on air transportation in a sovereign Quebec. I would like to hear what he has to say about that.
Points Of Order December 13th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs having stated his intent to introduce a draft bill undermining the basic human rights of Quebecers, I ask for the unanimous consent of the House to table a document that should answer some of the questions the House might have. It is a document entitled “Chantier de réflexion sur la citoyenneté et la démocratie”.
Referendums December 13th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, by going ahead with this bill, as he means to do, is the Prime Minister admitting that what he is trying to do is give the House of Commons an actual veto over decisions made by the people of Quebec and over the authority of the National Assembly, a veto over Quebec's democracy?
Referendums December 13th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, one consensus is emerging in Quebec against the government bill, while another is emerging in the rest of Canada in favour of it, just like in 1982 with respect to patriation of the Constitution and in 1999 with respect to adoption of the social union framework, which saw Quebec and the rest of Canada go their separate ways.
Does the Prime Minister realize that, whenever Quebec and Canada differ on an important issue, he sides with the rest of Canada against Quebec?
Referendums December 10th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, there is another old saying, that the truth sometimes hurts, such as the truth about Canada's history, which is full of attacks on Quebec.
In 1867, they refused to hold a referendum. In 1942, they imposed a plebiscite. In 1982, they unilaterally patriated the Constitution. In 1990, they gave the kiss of death to Meech in Calgary. Now, in 1999 they are drafting referendum legislation.
Will the Prime Minister admit that Canada's survival and existence rests on nothing but a series of underhanded measures against Quebec?
Referendums December 10th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, how could the federal government be considering Quebec's partition, as it would be a crime against history? Quebec will leave Canada in the same way that Newfoundland joined it, as a whole.
My question is for the Prime Minister. Does the Prime Minister realize that his place in history will be tarnished by what he is about to do?
The Constitution December 6th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, what is astonishing is that this resolution was passed April 27, not referred to in the throne speech, and now turns up in this House when there is a dispute over the referendum.
With his desire to stir up confrontation and discord, is the Prime Minister not showing that he plans to win the next election at the expense of Quebec, by winning over votes in the west, and now in the east as well?
The Constitution December 6th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, after stirring things up by threatening Quebec with changing the 50% plus one vote rule, the Prime Minister is adding fuel to the fire by bringing up the issue of Labrador, knowing full well the political dispute that exists between Quebec and Newfoundland.
Is the Prime Minister not once again indicating that the true objective of his actions is to stir up confrontation and discord with Quebec?