MINISTER DION TELLS ATLANTIC CANADIANS THEY
HAVE A KEY ROLE TO PLAY IN THE UNITY OF CANADA

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, November 12, 1997 – Stéphane Dion, President of the Privy Council and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, today told an audience at St. Mary's University in Halifax that the principles of the Calgary Declaration offer all Canadians a basis of values and ideals that will help ensure that Canada stays united, and he congratulated the Atlantic premiers for their contribution to the Declaration.

Mr. Dion praised the new economic dynamism of Atlantic Canada, and while acknowledging the challenges faced by the region, indicated that he is convinced that Atlantic Canada has "a future as bright as your history is rich." Mr. Dion said that "as a Quebecer and a Canadian, I want the opportunity to share this bright future with you."

The Minister expressed his confidence that the Calgary Declaration will provide a way to ensure that Quebecers, Nova Scotians and other Canadians continue to share the same country, as it is based on the deeply held Canadian values of equality and diversity.

"The principle that all Canadians are equal -- both as human beings and as citizens -- is fundamental to the idea of democracy," the Minister observed. "I am also very comfortable with the equality of status of our provinces. There is only one status for provinces in Canada." However, Mr. Dion stressed that equality should not mean homogeneity or uniformity: "recognizing that the provinces have equal legal status does not mean ignoring that they have different needs."

The Minister concluded by asking all Atlantic Canadians to take part in the public consultations on the Declaration: "by discussing what we have in common as Nova Scotians, as Quebecers, and above all, as Canadians, I am convinced we will realize that we share the same basic values, the same hopes for our future. And once we realize that we share our deepest beliefs, we will all decide that we want to build a future together in this remarkable country."

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For information: André Lamarre
Press Secretary
(613) 943-1838.

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