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MINISTER DION OUTLINES VISION
FOR A BETTER CANADA
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, January 30, 1997 – Stéphane Dion, President of
the Privy Council and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, today told an
audience at the Dalhousie Law School that Canadians have built a great country
and that, although we face certain challenges, together we can have an even
brighter future.
"Canada is not an ordinary country facing ordinary circumstances. Canada is
a great country that is in danger of collapse. We cannot afford to be ostriches,
burying our heads in the sand," cautioned Mr. Dion. The Minister advocated
improving the way our federation works and overcoming misunderstandings about
the recognition of Quebec's place in Canada.
"What we need," the Minister argued, "are strong provinces, a
strong federal government and a strong relationship between them." When
discussing this relationship, Mr. Dion said, we should focus not on
"symbolic abstractions," but rather on "the daily realities faced
by Canadians from Victoria to Cape Spear" and "envisioning the best
way to provide services to living, breathing citizens."
"By working together, with mutual respect and a commitment to Canadians,
the federal and provincial governments can make sure our health and social
system is sustainable for the future. We can keep a flexible and dynamic social
union to position us well for the next millennium," noted Mr. Dion. In this
respect, the Minister discussed the new labour market training agreements that
have been signed or are being negotiated with the provinces, and which will
ensure that "Canadians, wherever they live, will continue to receive
comparable services, but tailored by their provincial governments to respond to
regional needs." Mr. Dion emphasized that "while all citizens are
equal, governments must respond to their diversity of needs and circumstances.
Equality of treatment must not be confused with uniformity of treatment."
Turning to the challenge of keeping Canada united, the Minister observed that,
similarly, "recognizing Quebec's uniqueness would not undermine the
equality of provinces or of citizens." Recognizing Quebec's distinctiveness
"would be a great thing for Canadian unity, and a great Canadian thing to
do," stated Mr. Dion, pointing out that "the only issue on which
history will judge us is whether Canada continues to exist."
Turning to the issue of a potential unilateral declaration of independence (UDI)
by the Government of Quebec, the Minister noted that secessionist leaders
discuss it "as if it were a perfectly normal step to take." On the
contrary, Mr. Dion pointed out, "a UDI as envisaged by Premier Bouchard
would not be acceptable in any democracy in the world." However, he
stressed, "we can avoid secession, and the heartache it would bring, by
working towards national reconciliation."
"Together, we can make Canada even better," the Minister concluded.
"We can build on our social and economic successes to create a federation
which is even more responsive to the needs, hopes and dreams of its
citizens."
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For information: André Lamarre
Press Secretary
(613) 943-1838
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