Stéphane Dion

[National Unity, September 30th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, the root of the problem is that a provincial government does not have the authority to proclaim itself the government of a sovereign state. That has never been done. States have always recognized that the government of the existing state had its say in the matter.

If I had more time, but I know you would interrupt me, I would give you a whole list of statements made by the French government in other circumstances involving other parts of the world. Here is one, for example, about Chechnya, which says: “This is an internal affair that concerns the Russian Federation, of which Chechnya is an integral part under international law”. Regarding the Comoros: “France strongly believes in respecting the territorial integrity of any and all African states”.

And the list goes on.

[National Unity, September 30th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, when asked by a journalist: “Would France bypass the Canadian government and recognize Quebec as being independent?”, the premier replied: “That is a detail”. This detail is the key to the whole question.

And to this question, the French Prime Minister, yesterday and this morning, replied: “France is not indifferent, but does not wish to interfere. If Quebec is allowed freedom of expression, then Canada must also have the freedom to make up its mind. These questions must be asked in Quebec, and more broadly in Canada”. He even added: “A simple majority is not a principle, but democracy is”.

[Calgary Declaration, September 29th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, what I do realize is that the very great majority of Quebecers want to stay in Canada. And I realize that the Bloc Quebec finds this continued and inescapable state of affairs annoying.

That is why they are always trying to disguise their option. They know that if they put the question clearly their support would disappear. We are going to go on improving Canada in various ways, particularly by strengthening the recognition of Quebec in the Canadian Constitution.

[Calgary Declaration, September 29th, 1997]

No, Mr. Speaker, the member has it all wrong.

Mr. Johnson explained that it was a step in the right direction, that it was a good start and that he also had other demands. I know of no other province that does not have other demands. They all have demands for improvement. The Government of Canada also has demands, and we are working together, in partnership. This country offers the best standard of living in the world. And we will continue to do so, regardless of the member.

[Calgary Declaration, September 29th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, the Calgary declaration was very well received in Quebec. I can see how this would concern the Bloc leader.

Quebecers regard it as a step in the right direction, but when asked if it is enough, of course they say it is not. Is the economic situation good enough right now? Is the social situation good enough?

The public wants improvements and one way to improve this federation would be through the principles set out in the Calgary declaration, including the recognition of the unique character of Quebec's society.

[Calgary Declaration, September 29th, 1997]

It is a pity, Mr. Speaker, that the Bloc leader cannot put the question to the leader of the official opposition.

What I understand of the official opposition leader's position is that he wishes all principles, including the recognition of the unique character of the society in Quebec, to be discussed.

[British Columbia, September 29th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, it is a common practice of separatist leaders in Quebec to describe anyone who is fighting separation as someone who is fighting Quebec.

If the hon. member is now starting to put forth the same kind of argument, she will receive from the Government of Canada the same answer we have always given to the PQ Government of Quebec. Quebec and British Columbia, yes, yes and yes. Secession, no, no and no.

[Calgary Declaration, September 29th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, the Calgary declaration has been released widely by the media in Quebec, but the suggestion of the Leader of the Opposition is welcome and we will study it.

[Calgary Declaration, September 29th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, I may have shortcomings, but being intimidated by the premier of Quebec is certainly not one of them.

[Calgary Declaration, September 29th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, it is very difficult to have the same kind of process in Quebec as in the other provinces since the Premier of Quebec is not interested in consulting the people of Quebec about the Calgary declaration.

We will continue to make the case for the Calgary declaration everywhere in the country including Quebec. I would say this about all the principles in the declaration, about the declaration as a whole.