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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