1canada 's Home Page

Unity: A Country Working Together.

Separation: NOT an Alternative

BACKGROUND

Canada is challenged today with the threat of the separaration of the largest of it's 10 provinces, Quebec, rich in french heritage and concerned of it's continued protection of rights. Special interest individuals believe that Quebec would be better off as a sovereign entity, separated politically and economically from the rest of Canada. Their position is that the political leaders of Canada have not properly recognized Quebec's civil laws, religion and french language agreed to by the Constuitution of 1867. A generally accepted view of 'all equal under one Canada' undermines Quebec's distinct heritage today, and there lies fuel for it to separate from the 'equal' philosophy.

HISTORY

In 1867, Canada was formed with a partnership agreement with the provinces - Confederation. All provinces had different provisions and terms (including Quebec) and all became part of this agreement. For example, Quebec's language was french and the rest of the provinces were english. When the Constitution was patriated by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in 1967 and a Charter of Rights was adopted it was done without the agreement of Quebec's national assembly. Quebec insists that it was not properly recognized and that legally, the agreement is not valid because their national assembly did not patriate this agreement.

COUNTRY IN CRISIS

Canadians are divided in their views of Quebec's position and it's right to declare it's freedoms as agreed to in Confederation. Quebec's separatist leader, Gilles Duceppe (Bloc Quebequois) is feeding on this uncertainty to fuel his passion to separate Quebec from Canada. This leader is determined to pit the western provinces against the eastern ones purely for a personal political agenda, just as the national opposition, Reform Party, seems determined to pit West against East. As long as the current Parliament is bent on divide and destroy, a solution will evade a strong, united Canada.

This division is hurting our economy and driving away investors and jobs. Many in the G7 and others are waiting to see how Canada deals with this issue. A divided, and thus weaker country can only work to the G7's advantage when renegotiating agreements with Canada, ie NAFTA.
Canada will loose the strength and 'strong nation' image that it has built over time, even so far as to be abandoned by the G7; ripe for being anexed by the powerful U.S.

The recenly ex-Prime Minister, Jean Cretien, wanted to put the 'distinct society' clause in the Constitution. This would satisfy the people of Quebec, but this is not a viable option with western Canada who want an equal treatment for all provinces. In my opinion, stalemate.
Let's see what stance our new Prime Minister, Paul Martin takes on this issue.

So why does Quebec not simply declare its independence and separate? There are a few reasons.
The majority of Quebecers do not want to separate. They like the status quo of being a province under one country and receiving the many benefits from Canada's strong economic and social position.
Quebec is technically broke - their debt load far exceeds what revenues they would require to generate if they were to separate.
And lastly, there is a strong feeling of unity from the balance of provinces that keeps the majority of Quebecers feeling 'wanted' as part of the great Canadian society. Guilt from a separation plays favourably in a united Canada.

Separation is not an 'alternative' to recognize Quebec's uniqueness. Canada would spiral into turmoil. Federal and provincial governments would labour over very complicated separation issues, which are speculative at this point so will not be addressed here, but certainy would be extremely costly and taxing of precious time and energy.

UNITY PROCESS - THE SIMPLE ANSWER

There is a strong need to create a new relationship between the federal government and all provinces - one that is different from the 'Meach Lake Accord' process which did not completely recognize the rights agreed to in Confederation. Quebec's 'uniqueness' was not recognized by the Constitution. Too much emphasis was put on 'equality' and not enough on 'agreed rights' under Confederation.

Quebec should be allowed to state it's position whether it be as a 'distinct society' or as a 'unique society' recognizing language, religion and heritage. The result is No change to the status quo; No changes to law; No changes to our precious economy; No changes to the relationship with the rest of the provinces - just an acknowledgement of what was already put into place by Confederation.

Is this too much to ask? I believe NOT.

Consider the alternative - separation. Canada would spiral into passionate conflict and weaken it's strong position in the world as an economic generator and advanced society.

Questions and comments very much welcomed.

Last Updated on January 4, 2004

Go to HOME Page

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page