Straight Talk

From the book: "At the invitation of Prime Minister Jean Chretien, I entered the Federal Cabinet on January 25, 1996, without any direct political experience but driven by my convictions on Canadian unity and determined to defend them in complete frankness and in all circumstances. These convictions have become stronger and clearer over the course of my dialogue with Canadians. They have guided my actions as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and have nourished my writings and speeches on national unity. I have submitted them for public debate throughout the country, in both official languages, even in places where I knew full well that they would be unpopular."