Madam Speaker, this is a very interesting question.
I will tell you that the sovereignists in Quebec have been giving a great deal of thought to what would happen “after” for quite some time. The Bloc Quebecois had been instrumental in defining such terms and conditions. Discussions were held, as they were byn the Bourassa government in Quebec, at the commission on sovereignty. We have looked at negotiating strategies.
During the 1995 referendum campaign, a booklet was distributed to every Quebec household and this booklet said that, following a victory of the yes side in the referendum, the National Assembly would make an offer of partnership; this would naturally entail negotiating assets because part of these assets are ours.
These matters would be addressed as part of negotiations carried out afterwards, but nothing stops us from looking at various scenarios together before then. In fact, we would feel it is quite normal to start now.
To do so, one must recognize and agree that this offer of partnership made after achieving sovereignty may provide the basis for settling disputes. Bear in mind that our goal is to maintain an economic zone. The various treaties that will have to be signed may require that ministers meet on a regular basis, as some sort of political body.
Basically, what we want is to be able to pursue our dreams without bothering the rest of Canada and for the rest of Canada to stop interfering with this pursuit so that we can work in partnership and like each other better.