Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for his remarks. I am quite familiar with the history of the Austro-Hungarian empire and its particular constitutional theory. I make reference to it in a number of my books and am very often quoted by learned Quebecers in the debate on the development of the quiet revolution.
Nevertheless, all of the facts must be examined. The Austro-Hungarian empire was not a developed democracy as we know it today. We must also recognize that the dual monarchy was, in a way, intolerant of the rights of other minorities. The claims of the slavic minority were not recognized, which gives us cause to look at the failure of the Austro-Hungarian empire, in view of its defeat in the first World War.
Comparisons may be made between Canada and the Austro-Hungarian empire of the 19th century, and in particular the Ausgleich agreement, as it is known in German, of 1867. However, very very few of them may be made. As to whether the Canadian constitution can accommodate a situation similar to that of the Austro-Hungarian empire of the time, I would like to point out that the federal system is very flexible and capable of accommodating many different constitutional arrangements.
The prerequisite today, however, is that these claims be approved by popular vote. This is the fundamental reason for the failure of the Charlottetown accord. Under these circumstances, should the question arise in the future, yes, our federal system can accommodate any constitutional variation, provided it has been submitted to and approved by a popular vote.