Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On November 30, 1998, residents of Quebec elected a majority Parti Quebecois government. The election was of particular interest to all Canadians because Premier Bouchard hoped that an overwhelming majority would be one of the "winning conditions" he needed to prepare Quebec for another secession referendum. While the Parti Quebecois won 75 seats compared to 48 for the Liberals and one for the "Action Democratique" Party, it is important to note that Premier Bouchard only received about 43 percent of the popular vote. The Liberals had about 44 percent with the ADQ at 12 percent.

These results are very significant for the following reasons. First, they clearly demonstrate that Premier Bouchard and his government have not received an overwhelming vote of support from Quebec residents for their sovereignty project. Rather, Quebec voters have demonstrated that they do not want another referendum and that they expect the Premier to improve the Quebec economy and its health care system; to reduce taxes, the deficit and the debt; to deal with unemployment and poverty; and to work with the federal, provincial and territorial governments for the benefit of Quebec and all of Canada. Second, for those who have followed the Quebec election, it appeared right up until polling day that Quebec Liberal Leader Charest would go down to a humiliating defeat.

Mr. Charest, who consistently campaigned against another referendum and for Quebec within a united Canada, proved the pollsters wrong. The results of the election demonstrate that Mr. Charest and his party are strong and will be a credible opposition in the Quebec Legislature. Third, assuming that Premier Bouchard respects the will of the Quebec electorate and does not hold another referendum, there will be continuity and stability in the relations between Nunavut and Quebec.

Quebec firms do a lot of business in Nunavut. Many Quebec residents are now living in Nunavut. Nunavut has and will continue to purchase many services from Quebec. Resupply by ships for many Nunavut communities originates in Quebec. We have intergovernmental agreements for management of wildlife which migrate over provincial/territorial borders. Quebec is the homeland of Nunavik Inuit who are related to or have close ties with Nunavut Inuit. Stability makes a lot of sense for both Nunavut and Quebec.

Finally, the election results are good for Canada because governments, the private sector and all Canadians will now be able to focus on pressing regional and national priorities without the threat of another referendum. Reducing taxes, government deficits and debts, creating jobs and business opportunities, advancing the aboriginal agenda and generally improving the standard of living for all Canadians are the priorities of this country, not another referendum.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to stress the importance of current negotiations on the social union, an issue which received a high profile in the Quebec election campaign. The government of Quebec, and all governments participating in these negotiations, are placing a lot of emphasis on successfully concluding these negotiations. While the primary objective of new social union arrangements is to provide for more effective and efficient delivery of social programs to all Canadians, a federal/provincial/territorial consensus will also demonstrate that the Canadian Federation is strong and flexible enough to accommodate the interest and circumstances of all Canadian jurisdictions, including Quebec.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure I speak for all Members and all Northwest Territories residents when I say that we are looking forward to four years without the threat of another secession referendum. Under these circumstances, Quebecers and all Canadians will prosper. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause