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MINISTER DION CONGRATULATES THE SENATE ON PASSING THE
CLARITY BILL
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, June 29, 2000 – The Honourable
Stéphane Dion, President of the Privy Council and Minister of Intergovernmental
Affairs, congratulated senators on having given Canadians an essential guarantee
of their rights by passing Bill C-20 which gives effect to the requirement for
clarity as set out in the opinion of the Supreme Court of Canada in the Quebec
Secession Reference.
"By passing this legislation, the senators have given
Canadians and especially Quebecers the guarantee that their federal government
would never undertake negotiations on the secession of a province in the absence
of clear support for secession by the population of that province," the
Minister stated.
"I want to thank the senators who supported the bill. This
is good news for all Canadians. The senators' action has given the Government of
Canada an important tool for safeguarding democracy, because, by passing this
bill, they have ensured Canadians that their country will never be broken apart
in confusion," Mr Dion added.
The Minister concluded by reiterating his deep conviction that
in clarity, with a clear question, Quebecers will always express their will to
remain in Canada.
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For information:
Johanne Senécal
Executive Assistant
Tel: (613) 943-1838
Fax: (613) 943-5553
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