Statement by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien Regarding the No Campaign

First of all, I want to thank all those people who have worked so tirelessly during this difficult campaign in which the future of our country was at stake.

Above all, I particularly want to thank Daniel Johnson for his outstanding efforts as leader of the Quebecers for the NO.

His leadership, integrity and determination were a constant source of inspiration for those who worked with him in this challenging campaign. Quebec and Canada owe him a great deal.

I also want to thank my colleague Lucienne Robillard, whose enthusiasm and energy have once more confirmed her reputation as a tireless worker, and also Jean Charest for the vigour and conviction with which he participated in this difficult campaign.

In a democracy the people are always right. Tonight there is only one winner: the people. Tonight, more than ever, we have every reason to be proud of democracy in Canada.

There are not many countries in the world where citizens can debate -- peacefully, calmly, and without violence -- the very existence of the country itself.

Once again, we have shown the entire world our country's great values of tolerance, openness and mutual respect.

We are at the end of a long, emotional campaign. Divisions are never easy. They are never painless. But we can emerge from them stronger. To my fellow Quebecers who voted YES, I say that I understand your profound desire for change.

For the second time in 15 years we have gone through a difficult period in an atmosphere of great emotion. We must now develop innovative solutions so that we never again have to go through similar circumstances.

The time has come for reconciliation. It is time to put aside our differences.

To the government of Quebec, I say now is the time to work together. The people of Quebec have spoken. We must all respect their verdict. It is time to turn the page.

The people of Quebec want us to work together. They want us to continue working towards change -- together.

Tonight I ask the Premier of Quebec and his government to work with the government of Canada to respond together to the real and pressing needs of Quebecers.

It is up to those of us in Ottawa and Quebec City to respond to these expectations. Mr. Premier, I extend my hand to you.

Let's work together for the well-being of our fellow citizens; that's all they want.

All levels of government must now direct their energy towards the immediate priorities of their citizens. As we all know, these priorities are the jobs and economic growth needed to improve the well-being of our fellow citizens.

The future of all Canadians is bound together by common values.

Where opportunity and the belief in a better tomorrow for ourselves and our children unites us all. Where together, we can look outward and face the world, with confidence and pride.

To all Canadians, I say that a majority of Quebecers have chosen Canada in part because of the incredible outpouring of good feelings and goodwill demonstrated over the last week. Ordinary Canadians -- inside Quebec and throughout Canada stood up and proved what this country is all about. Spontaneously, with great emotion, with great pride.

Let us keep that spirit alive in the weeks, months and years to come.

We must remind ourselves of that spirit not only in times of crisis, but also in order to build our future together with mutual respect, generosity, and the ability to understand each others' different points of view.

To those Canadians who reached out to Quebecers last week, we all promised that our country will change. You asked Quebecers not to let Canada down. You have been heard. Now you must not let them down.

Let us now work together to make the appropriate changes to bring our country together. In particular, this includes the recognition of the distinct character of Quebec society.

Tonight the people of Quebec have reaffirmed the value of what we have built together. Tomorrow let us continue to build our great country. Let us do what we must do to enter the twenty-first century. Let us keep building the country that has made us the envy of the world. We have work to do. Let us get on with the job.

Good night.