House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 64% of the vote.
The Constitution October 31st, 1995
Mr. Speaker, in recent days and again today the Prime Minister has indicated he may soon pursue some constitutional negotiations.
Is it his intention to pursue constitutional negotiations with the Parti Quebecois in Quebec. Based on past history, would he expect those to be fruitful? Would he expect to find Mr. Parizeau an open, positive and constructive participant in constitutional negotiations?
Quebec October 31st, 1995
Mr. Speaker, the referendum result reflects two different visions of Quebec. One is that Quebec is an integral part of a united Canada. But it is more than that. Quebec is the founding province of Canada, the place where it was born, the cradle and champion of francophones across Canada.
The other is that Quebec is one of these world nations that, because of their history and destiny, must become independent, while of course recognizing its special ties with Canada.
What these two visions have in common are democratic values, tolerance, and recognition of the fact that Quebecers form the only predominantly francophone society in North America.
Quebec is now and forever a francophone society that is free and able to control its own destiny and development, as part of Canada and of the world at large.
Referendum Campaign October 27th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, today, we should express our true sentiments. People know where I stand, I support a no vote on Monday. I am for a French Quebec in a united Canada.
During this referendum campaign and since my election here, I have had the opportunity to improve my ability to speak the beautiful French language. I am very grateful indeed for the patience, tolerance and friendship of federalist and sovereignist Quebecers.
I think people are fortunate to be Quebecers. They are part of a large family. In my view, this family has long been divided by this national question. I hope that, whatever the outcome, the family will be reunited Monday evening after the vote.
The Constitution October 26th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, my understanding from the answer of the unity minister yesterday is the people of Quebec would always have a voice in changes affecting their powers and institutions.
I wonder if the government would be prepared to say to other regions of the country that it recognizes they would also have a similar say in constitutional amendments.
The Constitution October 26th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. I remind the minister that the Prime Minister has said this week it is part of his efforts to persuade Quebecers to vote no and that he would be open to change, including in some cases constitutional change.
My question is the one I asked yesterday which I did not get a response to. Is it still the policy of the Liberal Party, as it is the policy of the Reform Party, that any general constitutional change would have to be submitted to and approved by the people of Canada in a national referendum?
Referendum Campaign October 25th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I think that is a wise commitment and I hope the Prime Minister is prepared to make it to all Canadians.
After the last referendum in 1980 we entered into constitutional discussions with a PQ government in Quebec. That proved to be very problematic for the country as a whole and particularly problematic for Quebec.
Does the government believe that the PQ government would be a willing, open and constructive participant in constitutional negotiations?
Referendum Campaign October 25th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, my question relates to the Prime Minister's speech last night and other discussion of possible constitutional changes.
Before the Charlottetown accord the Reform Party and the Liberal Party had made commitments that all major constitutional amendments should be done only through national referendum. Is it still the commitment of the Liberal Party that any constitutional changes being planned must be submitted and approved by the people in a national referendum?
Referendum Campaign October 24th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, during the referendum campaign, I had the opportunity to travel to Quebec, where sovereignist posters showing possibilities through symbols are everywhere.
I do not understand these ads.
One poster, for example, seems to convey the message that, if Quebecers vote Yes, peace becomes possible. But we already have peace. Vote No and it becomes a certainty.
The posters say that a Yes vote would make the Canadian dollar a possibility. Vote No and it becomes a certainty.
Vote Yes and the economic union becomes a possibility. Vote No and it becomes a certainty.
Vote Yes and NAFTA becomes a possibility. Vote No and it becomes a certainty.
Why trade certainties for possibilities? It will be up to Quebecers to decide, and to live with the consequences.
Canadian Economy October 23rd, 1995
Thank you for that reminder, Mr. Speaker.
The Leader of the Opposition has indicated during this campaign that Quebec might renege on its share of Canada's debt obligations. Of course a statement like that is not at all consistent with the stated desire of the Government of Quebec to use the Canadian dollar.
Has the Minister of Finance sought to reassure international financial markets that the Leader of the Opposition is not a member of either the Government of Canada or the Government of Quebec and may not speak for either in this regard?
Canadian Economy October 23rd, 1995
Mr. Speaker, speaking of the rupture the minister refers to, he will know that during this campaign Mr. Lucien Bouchard, the Leader of the Opposition, has indicated that-