For people on social assistance, the loss of free dental care, prescription drugs and subsidized housing can greatly outweigh additional income from working. We've all heard the stories.

Canada is the homeland of equality, justice and tolerance.

I know Quebecers don't want to relive old battles; they prefer to build for the future.

To suggest that Quebecers willingly give up the chance to exercise fully their influence within the federal government would be to betray the historical role Quebec has always played in Confederation, and to undermine the legitimacy of their pride and ambitions.

Our first Prime Minister saw a country that would be known for its generosity of spirit. And so it is.

It would be naive to imagine we have solved all our income security problems simply because the roles of the federal and provincial governments in the area of skills training have been clarified.

Government cannot and must not replace private initiative.