We have to redesign the finances of the Quebec state to preserve what counts: education, health and families.

Something I don't want to do, ever, is to put Quebec in a position of weakness.

I belong to a generation that had so many choices available. In 1970, when [former premier Robert] Bourassa launched the James Bay development project, nobody in Quebec asked whether we had the means to do it. Today could we launch another James Bay? Imagine the debates we'd have? We were a young, rich society with almost no debt. The generation that comes after us, and which will lead Quebec, must also have choices. And for that, they'll need financial manoeuvring room.

You can't stop a reform in the middle. You do it completely and pretty fast, or you don't do it.

Not only in Canada but in other countries where we have to rely on immigration for our growth, the question of coexistence of values in communities is important. It has to be dealt with.

Quebec's distinct character makes Canada an even better country, and vice versa: being in Canada makes Quebec a better place too.

I've repeated it 100 times and I'm going to look you in the eye, tonight, Mr. Couillard: there will be no referendum as long as Quebecers aren't ready.