Stéphane Dion

[Calgary Declaration, May 11th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, we will keep looking at what the declaration has to say.

Canada's gift of diversity includes Aboriginal peoples and cultures, the vitality of the English and French languages and a multicultural citizenry drawn from all parts of the world.

In Canada's federal system, where respect for diversity and equality underlies unity, the unique character of Quebec society, including its French speaking majority, its culture and its tradition of civil law, is fundamental to the well being of Canada. Consequently, the legislature and Government of Quebec have a role to protect and develop the unique character of Quebec society within Canada.

[Calgary Declaration, May 11th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is a polite man. He simply repeated what the Quebec premier said, which was to the effect that the premier wanted to trip up the leader of the official opposition—not yet, but anyway—the leader of the Quebec Liberal Party on the Calgary declaration.

This objective is not about informing Quebeckers on the content of the declaration. This is why Bloc Quebecois surveys never ask people whether they agree with the content of the Calgary declaration.

[Calgary Declaration, May 11th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, the budget speech indicated clearly that we were deeply concerned with respecting the country's diversity and existing education programs, and we are negotiating very hard to respect Quebec's existing programs.

This too flows from the Calgary declaration, from our commitment to a just federation that would take into account the true nature of the country, including the unique character of Quebec society.

[Calgary Declaration, May 11th, 1998]

Please stop me when you have had enough. I will begin by reading the principles and you can tell me if you notice anything dangerous.

All Canadians are equal and have rights protected by law.

I imagine it would not be dangerous if it read “All Canadians are unequal and do not have rights protected by law”.

All provinces, while diverse in their characteristics, have equality of status.

Canada is graced by a diversity, tolerance—

[Calgary Declaration, May 11th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, last Thursday, the premier of Quebec said that the Calgary declaration was dangerous for Quebeckers.

[Calgary Declaration, May 6th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I am really not afraid when I face Mr. Bouchard.

[Calgary Declaration, May 6th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, the House leader of the Bloc Quebecois said that the Quebec premier's thinking was constantly changing. Indeed, on May 26, 1996 the premier said “I will not respond to any question on the Constitution, because I am going to create jobs”.

[Calgary Declaration, May 4th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I did not go into politics to sell the idea of distinct society; I went into politics to help my fellow Canadians keep their country together.

Canada in its present form, without constitutional changes, and with the forces of change seen in this country, is infinitely preferable to the Bloc Quebecois' separatist approach. The Constitution can, however, be improved. This will be done in stages, after serious debate.

I would ask my colleague, however, if he finds fault with any one of the principles in the Calgary declaration?

[Calgary Declaration, May 4th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, in fact, it is not a special status, but an undertaking by all Canadians to have a federation that respects the principles of equality, it being understood that equality is not synonymous with uniformity, but must go hand in hand with deep respect for the country's diversity, including the unique character of Quebec society.

[Calgary Declaration, May 4th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, first of all, the Calgary agreement is not a constitutional text. Moreover, there is something interesting here in connection with what went on at Charlottetown. At Charlottetown, a post-referendum survey indicated that the majority of Canadians were unable to name a single clause from the Charlottetown agreement. On the other hand, when they were shown it clause by clause, Canadians, Quebeckers included, were somewhat against it.

The difference with the Calgary agreement is that when people are surveyed about whether they are in agreement with each of its clauses, there is very strong support in Canada, Quebec included.