MINISTER DION STATES THAT THE CHANGES MADE
TO THE FEDERATION WILL IMPROVE THE
QUALITY OF SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC

KINGSTON, ONTARIO, May 28, 1998 – The Honourable Stéphane Dion, President of the Privy Council and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, said today in a speech to the Institute of Intergovernmental Relations of Queen's University that improving the Canadian federation must be guided by principles that draw on the potential of the federal and provincial governments and enhance the synergy between them.

"The question [...] is whether the changes we have made [...], as well as those we are currently working on with the provinces, will have long-term benefits in terms of the effectiveness of the federation," the Minister indicated.

Mr. Dion explained that the changes to the federation must be motivated by a desire to improve service to the public, rather than a list of traditional demands. "Transfers of power cannot allay separatism if they are made for that purpose alone," he noted. "[...] identity, rather than the division of powers, [...] is at the source of our unity problem. Francophone Quebecers want the assurance that their language and culture can flourish with the support of other Canadians [...] that they can be both Quebecers and Canadians, and that they don't have to choose between Quebec and Canada," the Minister added.

Mr. Dion then listed some of the principles guiding the Government's actions in improving the federation, including:

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