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ADDRESS AT THE AMERICAN COUNCIL
FOR QUEBEC STUDIES
QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC, October 19, 1996 – Addressing the American Council
for Québec Studies today in Quebec City, the federal Minister of
Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Stéphane Dion, returned to the major themes of
his speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington
on October 15, and again suggested that secession by Quebec is unlikely because
the majority of Quebecers identify with Canada and say that they are attached to
their Canadian identity.
Speaking to an audience of American and Canadian researchers, the Minister
argued that the federation allows Quebecers great cultural, linguistic and
economic autonomy and a major role in federal institutions. Mr. Dion said that
Quebecers’ attachment to their Canadian identity and their prominent role in
federal institutions would make secession absurd.
"The creativity of Quebec is stimulated by its belonging to Canada,"
the Minister said. "In return, Canada is enriched by the contribution of
Quebec society. I want to show that Quebecers and other Canadians have every
reason to stay together."
"In the United States and the world, Canada is considered a model of
cultural cohabitation within the same country. Its break-up would be bad news
for the rest of the globe," he added.
Stéphane Dion explained to his listeners in Quebec City that his American hosts
in Washington were very well informed on the situation in Canada and shared his
view that secession is unlikely. He pointed out that secession was obviously not
the option preferred by the United States and would involve substantial costs;
but the Americans had no intention of intervening in Canadian affairs.
Given the deeply felt wish of most Quebecers to reconcile their Quebec and
Canadian identities, the Minister expressed his optimism over the chances for
successful renewal of the federation in the interests of all Canadians,
including all Quebecers, who will be better served by both orders of government.
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For information: Gilles Pineau
Press Secretary
(613) 943-1838
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