MINISTER DION RESPONDS TO MR. JOSEPH FACAL'S
COMMENTS CONCERNING THE QUESTION AND
THE MAJORITY REQUIRED IN A REFERENDUM ON SECESSION

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, October 19, 1999 – On October 6, 1999, during the International Conference on Federalism, held in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec's Minister for Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Joseph Facal, criticized the Government of Canada for supporting the view that the 1995 referendum question was not clear, that a majority of 50% plus one is insufficient to break up a country, and that it is normal that it be more difficult to separate than to unite. The Honourable Stéphane Dion, President of the Privy Council and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, has written to Mr. Facal to explain that the position held by the Government of Canada on these issues conforms to international practice.

Minister Dion's letter is attached.

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For information:
André Lamarre
Special Assistant
(613) 943-1838

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