'I'm not Canadian' earns Bloc MP invitation from Chretien to leave Commons

Ottawa Citizen ^ | October 31, 2003 | Staff

[Loyalist]

OTTAWA (CP) - A Bloc Quebecois MP who declared in the Commons that he's not a Canadian was invited by the prime minister Thursday to leave Parliament and reflect on who pays his salary.

The exchange was a by-product of a Bloc motion that would recognize Quebec as a nation. Yves Rocheleau, the MP for Trois-Rivieres, announced during the daily question period that he considers himself a Quebecer first and last and is not a Canadian.

Prime Minister Jean Chretien was quick to respond.

"I think the member for Trois Rivieres should withdraw from this chamber because he's affirmed he's not a citizen of Canada, but he's Canadian (enough) to receive his pay," Chretien said to roars of laughter and outrage.

Outside the House, Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe said there is nothing wrong with saying that one's nationality is Quebecois. He added that Rocheleau did not renounce his citizenship.

But Denis Coderre, minister for Citizenship and Immigration, had a different interpretation.

"I think it's totally a disgrace," said Coderre.

"You know he said, 'I am not Canadian.' What are you doing here? You're good enough to collect a pension. You're good enough to collect a salary. But you're not Canadian."

Coderre, who was given the finger by a Bloc MP earlier this week in the Commons, joked that he was shown the rest of the body when Rocheleau shed his citizenship.

Veneer New Democrat Bill Blaikie said Rocheleau is free to consider himself whatever he chooses.

"(But) he's elected by Canadians, whether he likes it or not, and he's here to represent constituents who are Canadians," said Blaikie. "I presume he'll continue to do that until such time as they decide otherwise."

© Copyright 2003 The Canadian Press

[smith288]

I would never admit to being a Canadian either...what an embarrasing admission.

[Steely Glint]

I'd say give them a whiff of grapeshot.

[Semper Vigilantis]

What's the problem? The rest of Canada should grant them their independance, kick all of the frenchie politicians out of the Canadian government, then declare war on quebec and invade.
Quebec will fold in a matter of hours, no doubt under direct orders from france, then the rest of Canada can reconstruct quebec into a friendly, useful possesssion (with no elected representatives).
Allowing quebec to secede would probably be the best thing for Canada.

[norton]

"..maybe show a little more compassion for those of us suffering up North!!!!"

First, C'mon back south, to Ohio, then go out in the street and shout out "(Quebec separatism is)Almost as embarrassing as admitting you are from a cultural wasteland like Ohio...I have been on contract in Cleveland, Cincinatti and Dayton - every day there felt like a year!!!"

Then (a) explain why you were down here collecting a salary, and (b) ask them to feel your pain as a Canadian.

[smith288]

I have been oncontract in Cleveland, Cincinatti and Dayton - every day there felt like a year!!!

Oh relax.... Like I really think all Canadians are embarrased to be Canadians.

I would agree that Cleveland, Dayton are armpits of Ohio (s well as Toledo) but Cincinnati is beautiful.

Lets see who can pee farther. *rolling eyes*

[gymbeau]

Not a bad idea, but it'll never happen. Canada's too weak, too "soft power" and too "progressive" for such things as a violent response - and with what would we do it? Our armed forces? Yeesh!

I have a better idea. Why don't you guys invade Alberta and save us from the rest of the country?

If nothing else, that'll let us become Americans by osmosis, from the comfort of our easy chairs... :-)

...which is probably about as uppity as we'd get. :-(

[B Knotts]

You forgot Akron.

[hang 'em]

Canada: the first metrosexual country.

[smith288]

You are such a humorless nincompoop...geez-louise, lighten up.

Oh, and im not such a buckeye militant that I would vigorously defend Ohio from some canuckinstinian with poor comedic skills.

[norton]

I'm not from Ohio and I'd think twice before ragging on someone only to follow up by asking for their sympathy.

And you are correct, there aren't too many beer warming experts in Ohio.