-a very clear issue: Is Quebec a distinct society because of its language, its culture and its Civil Code?
House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 54% of the vote.
Renewal Of Canadian Federalism November 28th, 1995
-a very clear issue: Is Quebec a distinct society because of its language, its culture and its Civil Code?
Renewal Of Canadian Federalism November 28th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I can hardly wait for the member for Roberval to rise in this House and vote against the distinct society. For the first time we have an opportunity to speak clearly, not in the context of a thousand things, but on a very clear issue-
Renewal Of Canadian Federalism November 28th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I think the insult will come when the Bloc Quebecois votes in this House, based on what we see today, against the notion of distinct society for Quebec. If the Bloc Quebecois really wants it to become a constitutional proposal, they should pressure the future head of the Government of Quebec to pass a resolution in the Parliament of Quebec, and then we will see it is passed, and convince the provinces to pass it.
However, if the current Government of Quebec-or the January government-does not want Quebec to be a distinct society under the Constitution, there is nothing I can do.
Renewal Of Canadian Federalism November 28th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I and my party are in favour of recognizing Quebec as a society that is distinct because of the French language, the culture that is specific to Quebec and the fact that in Quebec we have always had a civil code based on the Napoleonic Code. So everyone knows this is a fact that can be easily recognized in the Constitution.
However, today it seems quite clear that the Leader of the Opposition is not interested in having Canada recognize Quebec as a distinct society.
Renewal Of Canadian Federalism November 28th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, if the Leader of the Opposition feels that a resolution of the House of Commons is not enough, he should tell the House that as soon as he is premier of Quebec, he will support a constitutional amendment recognizing Quebec as a distinct society. If he does, I will assume my responsibilities as Prime Minister and discuss it with the provincial governments.
I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition wants to entrench the concept of distinct society in the Constitution, the provincial Premiers will recognize his request. I think we could have a constitutional amendment very quickly. It could be done in a matter of months.
Renewal Of Canadian Federalism November 28th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, we acted quickly. I had a text when I spoke to Canadians on the Tuesday and Wednesday of the last week before the referendum. What I did today was keep the promises I made to the Canadian people and especially to the people of Quebec, that is take steps to recognize Quebec as a distinct society and ensure that in future, there will be no changes in the Constitution without the consent of Quebecers.
During the past four weeks the committee has had time to review everything I mentioned at the time, and that is what I delivered.
As for unemployment insurance reform, it will come. The bill will be tabled Friday, and the Leader of the Opposition will have all the details. However, as we have said on many occasions in this House, we decided that we would respect jurisdictions and that there was no longer any need for the federal government to be directly involved in manpower training programs. We intend to make the money available to clients who are our responsibility so they can receive these services from their provincial government.
Cp Rail November 22nd, 1995
Mr. Speaker, it is all very well for the Bloc Quebecois to keep blaming the government, but perhaps they should take a good look in the mirror. Considering the kind of climate they created in Quebec during the past few years and the intolerance they have often shown towards minorities in Quebec, it is hardly surprising that right now, some people want to get out of Montreal.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation November 22nd, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I think that what we want is objective news coverage. As I said at the time, I am hardly in a position to complain, because since I want a good night's sleep, I do not listen to the CBC before I go to bed. That is why I am healthy. I get a good night's sleep.
However, we want our news coverage to be objective. But the funny thing is that when the opposition criticizes the CBC, there is no problem. But when the government party does, it is not fair. What I had to say, I said publicly. I have never spoken to the president of the CBC since he was appointed. I let him get on with his job. However, I will not refrain from expressing my opinion as party leader, like the Leader of the Opposition did during the referendum campaign.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation November 22nd, 1995
Mr. Speaker, certainly not. I made certain comments. I said that some people complained about the way the CBC behaved during the referendum campaign. Someone also said that the CBC was jeopardizing its reputation and should be lumped in with all the other lackeys and puppets of the government.
Even the Leader of the Opposition criticized the CBC during the referendum campaign. I gave one opinion, and there were people who were not satisfied with the CBC's performance, including the Leader of the Opposition.
The Constitution November 22nd, 1995
Mr. Speaker, the person is a soft sovereignist. Perhaps the leader of the third party, who hopes some day to be the leader of the opposition, although he might not succeed if he does not become better than he is, should stop quoting from separatists or quasi-separatists and start to really work with us to make sure Canada is a good country with values and a social system that binds all Canadians together.