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MINISTER DION FORESEES PRODUCTIVE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND THE NEW GOVERNMENT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

 

KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, May 23, 2001 – The Honourable Stéphane Dion, President of the Privy Council and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, stated today that a number of factors make him optimistic about future relations between Jean Chrétien's government and Gordon Campbell's government in British Columbia.

Mr. Dion pointed out that there are some major challenges which make such cooperation necessary, the first being to turn the provincial economy around: "It is essential that British Columbia once again fully realize its tremendous potential. This is very important not just for you, but for all of Canada." The Minister added that this goal requires teamwork by business, labour, communities, and all stakeholders in society, and governments need to set a good example in this respect.

Mr. Dion then noted that intergovernmental cooperation is never exempt from ideological differences or tensions, and that the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia have diverging views on various issues, including whether it is a good idea to hold a referendum on the principles of aboriginal treaties. Nevertheless, there are four reasons that justify the Minister's guarded optimism:

"First of all, the positive tone adopted by Mr. Campbell during the campaign and since his election is an excellent sign." Mr. Dion noted British Columbia's desire to be a leader again in Canada, be it with respect to the economy or high-quality health care, open and accountable government, or a strong voice on the national stage. In addition, the Minister is pleased to see that Premier Campbell wants "to establish non-partisan and professional relations with the federal government."

Second, Mr. Dion believes that Mr. Campbell is aware that British Columbians want their governments to work together more effectively: "to make the country work better, British Columbians set their sights first and foremost on better federal-provincial cooperation."

Third, the Minister sees the high calibre of the five Liberal MPs who represent British Columbians in Ottawa, including Ministers Herb Dhaliwal and David Anderson, as another reason that justifies his optimism.

Finally, "There is a fourth reason why I believe the Chrétien and Campbell governments will succeed together: in spite of some differences of opinion, we are looking in the same direction. There is much affinity between the platforms on which both governments were elected."

Mr. Dion sees as proof of this the joint desire by the Premier and the Prime Minister to help turn around the province's economy by building on its capacity for innovation. They also share a similar vision of urban development and trade, with neither having any appetite for protectionism on trade issues. Environmental policy, health care, social programs such as early childhood intervention, and the official languages policy, are other areas where the two governments are likely to find common ground.

Mr. Dion then pointed to another reason that justifies his optimism: "The fact is that we Canadians, and especially British Columbians, have taken on a much greater challenge in our history than those we have before us today." In his concluding remarks, Minister Dion noted that we " have learned, after much difficulty, to make a strength of our diversity. If we have managed to do that, there is no challenge too great for us."

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For information:
André Lamarre
Special Adviser
Tel: (613) 943-1838
Fax: (613) 943-5553

 

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Last Modified: 2001-05-23  Important Notices