General agreement that Quebecers form a nation within Canada
By Bill Rea

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has decided Quebecers "form a nation within a united Canada," and both local MPs agree.

"I think it was a good idea," commented Oak Ridges - Markham MP Lui Temelkovski, as he looked forward to Monday's vote in the House of Commons. "This is like a mini referendum."

And York - Simcoe MP Peter Van Loan said the motion is stating nothing that isn't already an accepted fact.

Harper put forth the motion in the House last Wednesday. It was approved by an overwhelming majority in the House Monday night; 266 to 16.

"The unexpected Conservative move undercut Bloc plans to ask the

Commons today to recognize the predominantly French-speaking province as a 'nation' with no conditions attached," Thursday's National Post reported.

In speaking in the House, Harper pointed out the Bloc Quebecois was planning to put forth "an unusual request" to have Quebec defined as a "nation."

"As a consequence, with the support of the

government and with the support of our party, I will be putting on the notice paper later today the following motion; "That this House recognize that the Quebecois form a nation within a united Canada."

"The real intent behind the motion by the leader of the Bloc and the sovereignist camp is perfectly clear," the PM declared . "It is to recognize not what the Quebecois are, but what the sovereignists would like them to be."

"The answer is clear," he added. "Quebecers have always played an historic role in Canada's progress, through their public spirit, courage and vision, by building a confident, autonomous and proud Quebec showing its solidarity within a strong, united, independent and free Canada."

Temelkovski reported Thursday there shouldn't be any serious consequences from this move, after it's passed. "I don't think there will be any resonants left behind.

He also thought acting Liberal leader Bill Graham spoke very well on the issue.

The Bloc was clever to put forth its motion, but the Conservatives and Liberals were able to get the upper hand on them, Temelkovski thought. "They tried to handicap us, but it's not that easy," he remarked.

Temelkovski was not in the House for the vote Monday night. He explained he had a commitment in the riding that had been arranged some months before. Van Loan was quick to

point out Harper had put forth a resolution, not legislation. He also said it assigns nationhood to people, not a geographic area or political philosophy. It's cultural.

"It would be the folks with the distinct language and culture, and I think that's an accepted fact," he remarked.

He also stressed the provision that this is in the context of a united Canada.

Van Loan observed the only reason the Quebecois culture was able to flourish was because of it's being part of a united Canada. Had it been on its own, in a broader North America, it likely would not have survived.

"It only exists as strongly as it does because it's in a united Canada," he commented.

Temelkovski said he hadn't heard much reaction from constituents late last week. Van Loan said he had heard from about half a dozen people. There was some concern expressed about Quebec getting special status.

"This resolution does not do that," he said. "There's no Constitutional consequences from it."