We Canadians are not given as a people to great patriotic displays.

Quebecers have rarely in their history been better represented than they are right now - at the highest levels of the federal government.

Since the end of the Second World War, our population has more than doubled to 27 million people.

Canada is the homeland of equality, justice and tolerance.

Despite our high rate of unemployment, 300,000 jobs go unfilled largely because many of the unemployed lack the skills needed today as a result of technological progress.

We Canadians are not given as a people to great patriotic displays.

We plan to lift the veil of secrecy surrounding the preparation of the budget. We also plan to open up the process of government appointments.