The Referendum

October 15, 1995

Lucien Bouchard wants to "save the race"

Statement to a women's group in Anjou

"Do you think it makes any sense that we have so few children in Quebec? We're one of the white races that has the fewest children. It doesn't make sense!"

This quotation, which smacks of outdated thinking and xenophobia, was not taken from Lionel Groulx's 1922 book L'Appel à la race, but from a statement by Lucien Bouchard on October 14, 1995! It proves the separatist plan is reactionary and outmoded, and indeed disturbing.
Apparently, for Lucien Bouchard, those who are not "white" are note part of the "Quebec race".
It would seem that white race families would be more numerous in a separate Quebec!
Women, like men, have certain values at heart: a prosperous economy, an equitable labour market, a just a democratic society. In thinking that they are interested only in "family policies", the separatists are relegating women to a subordinate role.
Mr Bouchard has still not said how separation would benefit Quebecers. We have still not heard a single good reason to vote YES.
The only proposal tat can really bring people together, that is designed to unite rather than to break apart, is Canada>

Statement by Lucien Bouchard

Quebec has always been "soft"

Mr Bouchard is describing as "soft" every leader he has supported in his political career.
Lucien Bouchard shows contempt for political leaders in the other provinces, says he'll negotiate with his fist on the table, and states that he'd never give in with regard to equal representation in the partnership's decision-making bodies. Is it realistic to think that Mr Bouchard could reach an agreement with such an attitude?
Rather than talking about the real issues, Mr Bouchard is saying anything, any time, to detract Quebecers' attention from the disastrous consequences of the separatist plan.
Quebecers are not fools: we are confident that on October 30 they will choose Canada and will vote NO.

Background

In response to Jean Charest's comments on his tortuous political dialogue, Lucien Bouchard said yesterday, "I think negotiation has to be conducted by tough people [...] Quebec has been soft all the time. And a soft attitude is leading to failure."

Statements by Prime Minister Chrétien

Prime Minister Chrétien is right: it doesn't matter who's in the driver's seat -- the destination is still Quebec's separation from Canada.
We will keep working to explain the consequences and costs of separation to Quebecers. We are convinced that on October 30, Quebecers will reject this wild goose chase, which is fraught with risks and uncertainty.

If you have any comments, please send us feedback.

Calgary West Federal Liberal Association / postmaster@cwlib.cuug.ab.ca

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