Bloc Québécois supporters in Louiseville, Que., exploded into cheers and applause when Gilles Duceppe, in a brief stump speech, told them every gain the Bloc makes for Quebec in Parliament brings the province a step closer to breaking away from Canada to form its own country (a standard line he uses often).

Tim Duboyce

Then, the crowd of about 50 party workers, mainly seniors, broke into another common Bloc refrain, chanting, "On veut un pays" (We want a country).

Duceppe brought the tone down right away, insisting such an eventual rupture can only come following a Yes win in a provincial referendum.

Then, Duceppe said this: "Canada is a great country, Canadians are a great people. We're not seeking our sovereignty because we don't like Canada," he said.

"We want this because we believe we would be better off as good neighbours. We have a lot in common, after all," he said, most heads nodding in agreement.

"Good neighbours can agree on which colour their fence should be painted. The problem is when your neighbour wants to paint your bedroom for you," Duceppe said, getting a few laughs.

"And, we shouldn't associate all Canadians with Harper. They're not the same. We'd be making a mistake to think that," he said.

Again, unanimous nods of agreement.

—Tim Duboyce