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Statement by The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, the Prime Minister of Canada, on the Supreme Court of Canada's ruling in the reference on a Unilateral Secession
August 20, 1998
Ottawa, Ontario
"The Supreme Court today handed down an important decision on a fundamental question that has animated democratic life in our country for over 30 years. The Court has well served all Canadians by bringing clarity to certain fundamental rules which must guide our democratic life, even in dealing with the most difficult questions.
The Government of Canada has always assumed the debate over our future could be managed in an orderly and effective way within the framework of our basic laws which give form to our democracy. However, the Attorney General and Premier of Quebec asserted a right for their government to effect Quebec's independence unilaterally, outside any reference to Canadian law and without any understanding on the process or terms of independence. This posed the most serious risk for public order as well as the democratic rights of individual citizens, most notably in Quebec itself.
The federal government had the responsibility to ask our highest court to clarify these fundamental questions and considered that it was best to do it in a period of calm, away from any referendums. The Court has confirmed that any possible process of independence must proceed in a manner that respects shared values that include federalism, democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law, and respect for minorities. In particular, it has found that the Government of Quebec does not have the authority in Canadian law to effect independence unilaterally nor does it have such a right in international law.
Of course, we would be better to put aside this debate after two referendums in which Quebeckers have reaffirmed their attachment to Canada and rejected any form of separation. Quebeckers do not wish to relive such a divisive experience.
The Court's ruling is an important reminder of some basic elements of democratic life and civil order. It deserves the respect of all Canadians."
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
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