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MINISTER DION STATES THAT TOGETHER,
QUEBECERS AND OTHER CANADIANS HAVE THE
BEST CHANCE OF ADVANCING DEMOCRACY
MONTREAL, QUEBEC, March 18, 1998 – "There are not many histories
closer to the democratic ideal than the history that Quebecers have written with
other Canadians," stated the President of the Privy Council and Minister of
Intergovernmental Affairs, the Honourable Stéphane Dion, in a speech today to
students in the Law Faculty of the Université de Montréal.
Mr. Dion gave a brief overview of the history of
Canadian democracy, noting that it compares favourably with the progress of
democracy in other countries: "It is an exceptional and admirable fact
that, since 1792, our country has almost always been governed by a political
regime comprising an elected assembly." The Minister noted the 150th
anniversary of responsible government in Canada, which makes it one of the
oldest in the world.
"Each of us can draw his or her own
conclusions about our common history as a pioneer of democracy," the
Minister stated, before suggesting a number of conclusions that are pertinent to
the current debate.
The Minister first stated that the advanced
democracy that Canada has inherited from its history is also a Quebec reality.
"It didn't come about against us or in spite of us, it came about with us.
We can be proud of that. It is in this democracy that we have developed our own
culture and our own spirit," he said.
Mr. Dion then pointed out that Canadian history
has taught us tolerance and respect for opposing opinions. "Especially
since we are involved in one of the most difficult debates a society can have,
that of secession, we must steer clear of impugning motives, demonizing
opponents and voodoo politics," he stated.
Citing the examples of the constitutional change
of 1982 and the reference to the Supreme Court, Mr. Dion called on the audience
to compare Canadian democracy with other democracies so as to judge it more
effectively.
Mr. Dion concluded by stating that together,
Canadians have the best chance to improve their democracy. He added that the
difficult process of learning to respect differences has won Canada
international recognition as one of the countries most open to ethnic diversity,
making it an example for the rest of the world. "We must keep Canada united
and make it even better, for ourselves, for our children, for future generations
of Canadians, but also for all those human beings throughout the world who love
our country as a paradigm of what the world can become."
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For information: André Lamarre
Press Secretary
(613) 943-1838
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