Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe said Thursday the prime minister is trying to "pull the wool over the public's eyes," and urged MPs to consider a separatist motion declaring Quebecers form a nation "that is currently within Canada."

Duceppe introduced his party's amended motion a day after Stephen Harper announced his own motion to recognize the Québécois as a nation within a united Canada.

BQ Leader Gilles Duceppe said Quebec cannot be boiled down to one of two options: a nation within a united Canada, or a separate, sovereign nation.
(CBC)

"The prime minister clumsily tried to pull the wool over the public's eyes with his motion," said Duceppe, who opened debate on his motion Thursday. "When he attaches that condition, we see through it as a partisan tactic."

The Quebec nation cannot be boiled down to one of two options: a nation within a united Canada, or a separate, sovereign nation, said Duceppe.

"Never should the existence of the Quebec nation be subjected to what your preferred option is.

"I hope the prime minister will recognize the Quebec nation. Period," he said. "I hope elected officials will take a stand on the issue without any strings."

Bloc House leader Michel Gauthier added a new twist Thursday, tabling the amendment to his party's motion adding that Quebecers form a nation "actuellement au Canada" — that is currently within Canada. 

The move spawned a flurry of parliamentary gamesmanship.

Deputy Liberal leader Lucienne Robillard proposed an amendment to the amendment, adding the adjective "united" to Canada and dropping "currently" so that it would declare Quebecers form a nation "within a united Canada," virtually cloning the Tory proposal.

The Bloc agreed to add the word "united" but insisted on keeping "currently." Robillard wouldn't consent and her proposed sub-amendment died.

Harper, who was in Toronto Thursday to announce details of a proposed bail reform package, didn't answer any questions on his motion, which will be voted on Monday.

Liberals, NDP to support PM

The Liberal caucus on Thursday agreed to support Harper's motion, though MPs are split.

Liberal leadership candidate Stéphane Dion told CBC News he'll vote for the resolution because there is a definion of 'nation', but that he's uncomfortable with the way the debate is being framed.

"I would invite everyone to think, [is] this the way to strengthen significantly the unity of our country, to find the magic word by which we'll solve our unity problems," Dion said.

While interim Liberal Leader Bill Graham stood to applaud Harper following his announcement, Liberal MP Jim Karygiannis said he'll vote against it.

"Are we in Canada to be a nation of nations?" he asked.

Quebec Liberal Senator Serge Joyal warned it could be a slippery slope.

"The very moment you introduce the concept of a nation within Canada, you open the door to the Acadian Nation, to the First Nations, to all the other groups that might form a cultural community," he said.

"Newfoundland could be a nation."

MP Belinda Stronach said she didn't have a problem with the prime minister's motion if it helped Quebec "protect its unique culture and identity."

NDP Leader Jack Layton said Wednesday his caucus would support both the Tory and BQ motions.

With files from the Canadian Press