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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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