Statement by the Prime Minister

The people of Quebec have chosen to re-elect the government of the Parti Québécois.

I sincerely congratulate Mr. Bouchard on this personal victory in which he has won his first mandate as Premier. I also congratulate Mr. Charest, who took up the immense challenge of defeating a government after just one term. Something that has rarely been accomplished in Quebec, the last time being almost 30 years ago. It was an extremely difficult task for which he had only a very little time to prepare. He and his troops have every reason to be proud of the remarkable battle they have put up, which has them leading the Parti Québécois in popular vote.

I congratulate Mr. Dumont, who has run an energetic campaign with surprising results. Finally, I congratulate all the candidates who took part in this great democratic exercise.

During the campaign, Mr. Bouchard and his party repeated that this election was about choosing a government. This is what Quebecers understood in constantly making it known that they do not want another referendum. This is the fourth time in 22 years that the Parti Québécois has been elected to govern. Each time, the voters of Quebec not only did not reject Canada, they reiterated their attachment to our country in two referendums.

For more than five years, the government that I lead has gone about restructuring the role of the state so as to restore order to our public finances and create a climate favourable to economic growth and job creation. We have made great progress thanks to the support and commitment of Canadians, as well as the cooperation of the provincial and territorial governments who have supported our efforts.

We have done it in a spirit of mutual cooperation and sharing, not in a spirit of confrontation. Because this magnificent country, Canada, is dear to us. Because it is precious and must be handled with care. Because our country is our home. It is our family. It is who we are. It must be respected and protected.

When we listen to our fellow citizens, they tell us that their priorities are the economy and jobs, health care, education, and the future of young Canadians. To the extent that Mr. Bouchard and his colleagues respect these priorities and work to strengthen our nation - that of Quebecers and all Canadians - they will have our full cooperation.

But when he talks about creating the famous "winning conditions"- that he refuses to reveal - for holding another referendum on separation, he should know that we will defend and protect our country, our home, our family, with all of our strength.

They should have no doubt about it. When the time comes to defend Canada we will be there every step of the way.

For more than 130 years we Quebecers have worked with other Canadians to build a prosperous, tolerant, generous nation, whose extraordinary quality of life has been recognized internationally. And I am convinced that my fellow Quebecers share with all Canadians a deep faith in the future of our country.

But as fantastic as Canada is, it is not a finished work. There is more building to be done. Together that is what we must do. Together, that is what we will do.

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