I would have to say Quebec's Referendum Act, first because it articulates clear principles. The provisions governing the actual process are quite clear, but not as specific as they are in section 5 of the federal act. The Quebec legislation is a model, not just in terms of clarity of expression, but also because it broaches the essential question of two committees. We do have some questions about the Charter, about citizens' rights, and so forth. The federal Referendum Act reflects a certain amount of timidity on the part of the government of Prime Minister Mulroney as far as the Charter is concerned. In the years since the act's adoption, the Supreme Court has explained, in a case that came out of Quebec, how legislation can address both sides of an issue in a way that is mindful of the system's integrity while at the same time, awarding the maximum possible and respecting the rights of citizens.
On November 24th, 2009. See this statement in context.