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CANADA: HOW IT WORKS, WHY IT WORKS
AND WHY IT WILL CONTINUE TO EXIST
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 15, 1996 – Speaking today at the Center for
Strategic and International Studies in Washington, the Canadian Minister of
Intergovernmental Affairs, the Honourable Stéphane Dion, delivered a vibrant
plea for Canadian unity to his prestigious American audience. "I am
speaking to you as both a Quebecer and a Canadian who is very attached to both
his identities and never wants to have to choose between them. I know that the
vast majority of Quebecers feel the same."
The Minister emphasized to what extent "the Quebec identity and the
Canadian identity complement one another and why one should welcome them both
rather than feel obliged to choose between the two."
"I am against secession," continued the Minister, "not because I
think Quebecers are incapable of managing their own independent state. I believe
that we Quebecers are called to a greater ideal: that of continuing to improve
the superb economic and social success that is Canada; that of fighting
alongside our fellow citizens against the scourges of unemployment and poverty;
that of continuing to ensure that comparisons by international bodies such as
the UN or the World Bank continue to rank Quebecers so highly in so many areas
of human activity."
Defining secession as a break in the solidarity between citizens, the Minister
stressed that such a break "would be not only an economic absurdity, but,
in particular, a moral error".
The Minister believes that "the solidarity which unites Quebecers is
exemplary, it is a strength that makes them greater and nurtures confidence in
their economic and social future." This Quebec solidarity "is
complemented no less admirably by that which links them to their fellow citizens
in the Atlantic provinces, Ontario, Western Canada and the North."
Discussing the plan for renewal put forward by the federal government in
collaboration with the provinces and territories, the Minister observed that
"our federation is constantly evolving" and that today "we need
more than ever to show Quebecers and all Canadians just how well their
federation can serve them."
Concluding on a note of hope, the Minister said he believes that "Quebecers
and other Canadians will stay together because we have achieved something
irreplaceable in the world. We can be proud of our linguistic and cultural
harmony, our economic success and the uniqueness of our institutions."
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For information: Claude Péloquin
Press Secretary
(613) 943-1838
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