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Correspondence relating to the First Ministers' Meeting
June 10, 1996
Ottawa, Ontario
Attached is the text of a letter sent June 8, 1996, by Prime Minister
Jean Chrétien to Premiers and territorial Government Leaders
outlining the agenda for their meeting to be held in Ottawa on
Thursday, June 20, and Friday, June 21, 1996.
Premiers and territorial Government Leaders have also received
copies of letters sent by the Prime Minister to Aboriginal leaders
which are also attached.
PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
Dear Premier:
As promised in my May 8 letter, I am sending you the agenda for
the First Ministers' Meeting, June 20 and 21. The agenda reflects
our consultations with you, including Minister Dion's recent consultations
in provincial capitals. I believe that this agenda will permit
us to have a substantial meeting on a number of significant issues
of concern to Canadians.
As you know, the federal government announced several initiatives
in the Speech from the Throne for improving the federation. I
am encouraged by the progress and see this First Ministers' Meeting
as a further step in strengthening our partnership. All Canadians
want their governments to cooperate. I believe that they also
desire a practical approach that brings results and renewal step-by-step.
Our meeting will begin with a private dinner at 24 Sussex Drive.
I suggest it focus on the state of the Canadian economy, including
progress on improving government finances. We can also review
key international trade issues and go over matters to be discussed
at the G7 Summit in Lyon at the end of June. We might also use
the occasion to review the jobs and investment benefits of our
Team Canada trade missions to Asia and Latin America.
The following day our morning session at the Lester B. Pearson
Building would start by considering the issue of Renewal of the
Federation. This will allow us to address the desire for change
expressed by all Canadians in all regions. I would provide a report
card on the commitments to change made in the Speech from the
Throne and table a report taking stock of progress. This will
include the realignment of roles and responsibilities and our
partnerships in such areas as: labour market training; the federal
spending power; mining; forestry; recreation; social housing;
tourism; the environment; freshwater fish habitat; as well as
the prospects for new agencies or arrangements for securities,
revenue collection and food inspection.
Later in the morning, I propose that we have a discussion on the
amending formula in accordance with Section 49 of the Constitution
Act, 1982, which requires the Prime Minister of Canada to
convene a First Ministers' Conference on this subject no later
than 17 April, 1997. I recognize that there have been two extensive
rounds of First Ministerial meetings on constitutional issues
since 1982, during which parts of the amending formula were considered.
However, it is not clear whether these meetings entirely fulfilled
the obligation under Section 49. Our discussions on June 21 would
permit us to consider how we might move forward in the search
for an amending formula that will find wide approval from Canadians.
At the luncheon, we would turn to Jobs and Growth, focusing on
how we can better address economic uncertainty and change for
Canadians. I would like to start with how to strengthen the Internal
Trade Agreement, including the sections on labour mobility. We
would review our approaches to Youth employment, and share how
we, along with the private sector, could better help young Canadians.
We would also discuss our experience with the Canada Infrastructure
Program, its impacts and future avenues that would hold promise
for modernizing Canada's economy.
In the afternoon session, the social dimensions of our policies
and programs would be addressed, with a particular focus on protecting
a secure and sustainable social safety net for Canadians in the
future. I would invite Premier Tobin, as Newfoundland was Chair
of the last Annual Premiers' Conference, to introduce the issue
by reviewing the main conclusions of the Ministerial Council Report
on Social Policy Reform and Renewal. We will want to consider
the progress made by our Ministers in the areas of health, education,
social services and justice, among others. The challenge will
be to develop an approach to the social dimensions of our federation
that allows for flexibility while respecting the shared core values
and principles of Canadians.
I look forward to discussing these issues on June 20 and 21 and
to giving new impetus and direction to the work our governments
should undertake together.
For your information, I have also enclosed a copy of my letters
to Aboriginal Leaders on issues related to this meeting.
Yours sincerely,
FIRST MINISTERS' MEETING
Ottawa, Ontario
Agenda
Thursday, June 20, 1996: Prime Minister's Residence
1. Private Dinner (18:30 - 21:00)
- The Canadian Economy
Friday, June 21, 1996: Lester B. Pearson Building
2. Morning Session (09:30 - 12:30)
Robertson Conference Room
- Renewal of the Federation
- Section 49, Constitution Act 1982
3. Private Luncheon (12:30 - 14:00)
9th Floor Dining Room
- Jobs and Growth
4. Afternoon Session (14:00 - 16:20)
Robertson Conference Room
- Social Dimensions
Ms. Rosemarie Kuptana
President
Inuit Tapirisat of Canada
Suite 510, 170 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5V5
Dear Ms. Kuptana:
Thank you for your letter of April 24, 1996, signed jointly with
the leaders of the Assembly of First Nations and the Métis
National Council, in which you seek participation at the upcoming
First Ministers' Meeting, and a meeting with me before then.
The Agenda for the First Ministers' Meeting has now been finalized,
and I attach a copy for your information. Most of the meeting
will be taken up with discussion of economic and social issues
of concern to all Canadians. There will also be a discussion of
the amending formula pursuant to Section 49, with a particular
emphasis on future processes. There are no proposals on the table
that relate directly to the rights of the Aboriginal peoples of
Canada.
I share your views regarding the need to ensure that the concerns
of Aboriginal Canadians are taken into account as we renew Canada.
This is why I have asked the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs,
the Honourable Stéphane Dion, together with Ministers Irwin,
McLellan and Rock to meet with you and the other four national
Aboriginal Leaders, as part of the government's preparations for
the First Ministers' Meeting. I have also suggested a further
meeting following the First Ministers' Meeting to debrief you
on our discussions.
While you and the other leaders of the Aboriginal organizations
may have preferred to be participants at the upcoming meeting
of First Ministers, I hope you will agree that there are other
effective avenues to ensure that Aboriginal views are fully considered
in our political processes. Let me assure you of my commitment
in that regard.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Gerald Morin
President
Metis National Council
130 Slater, Suite 650
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 6E2
Dear Mr. Morin:
Thank you for your letter of April 24, 1996, signed jointly with
the leaders of the Assembly of First Nations and the Inuit Tapirisat
of Canada, in which you seek participation at the upcoming First
Ministers' Meeting, and a meeting with me before then.
The agenda for the First Ministers' Meeting has now been finalized,
and I attach a copy for your information. Most of the meetings
will be taken up with discussion of economic and social issues
of concern to all Canadians. There will also be a discussion of
the amending formula pursuant to Section 49, with a particular
emphasis on future processes. There are no proposals on the table
that relate directly to the rights of the Aboriginal peoples of
Canada.
I share your views regarding the need to ensure that the concerns
of Aboriginal Canadians are taken into account as we renew Canada.
This is why I have asked the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs,
the Honourable Stéphane Dion, together with Ministers Irwin,
McLellan and Rock to meet with you and the other four national
Aboriginal Leaders, as part of the government's preparations for
the First Ministers' Meeting. I have also suggested a further
meeting following the First Ministers' Meeting to debrief you
on our discussions.
While you and the other leaders of the Aboriginal organizations
may have preferred to be participants at the upcoming meeting
of First Ministers, I hope you will agree that there are other
effective avenues to ensure that Aboriginal views are fully considered
in our political processes. Let me assure you of my commitment
in that regard.
Yours sincerely,
Grand Chief Ovide Mercredi
National Chief
Assembly of First Nations
55 Murray Street
5th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 5M3
Dear Chief Mercredi:
Thank you for your letter of April 24, 1996, signed jointly with
the leaders of the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada and the Métis
National Council, in which you seek participation at the upcoming
First Ministers' Meeting, and a meeting with me before then.
The agenda for the First Ministers' Meeting has now been finalized,
and I attach a copy for your information. Most of the meeting
will be taken up with discussion of economic and social issues
of concern to all Canadians. There will also be a discussion of
the amending formula pursuant to Section 49 with a particular
emphasis on future processes. There are no proposals on the table
that relate directly to the rights of the Aboriginal peoples of
Canada.
I share your views regarding the need to ensure that the concerns
of Aboriginal Canadians are taken into account as we renew Canada.
This is why I have asked the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs,
the Honourable Stéphane Dion, together with Ministers Irwin,
McLellan and Rock to meet with you and the other four national
Aboriginal Leaders, as part of the government's preparations for
the First Ministers' Meeting. I understand you would also like
Minister Dingwall to be present, and I have asked Minister Dion
to see if this can be arranged. I have also suggested a further
meeting following the First Ministers' Meeting to debrief you
on our discussions.
While you and the other leaders of the Aboriginal organizations
may have preferred to be participants at the upcoming meeting
of First Ministers, I hope you will agree that there are other
effective avenues to ensure that Aboriginal views are fully considered
in our political processes. Let me assure you of my commitment
in that regard.
Yours sincerely,
Ms. Janis Walker
President
Native Women's Association of Canada
9 Melrose Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
K1Y 1T8
Dear Ms. Walker:
As you are aware, I have recently written to the Premiers and
the Territorial Government Leaders inviting them to a First Ministers'
Meeting to be held in Ottawa on June 20-21, 1996. A copy of the
agenda is attached for your information. Most of the meeting will
be taken up with discussion of social and economic issues of concern
to all Canadians. There will also be a discussion of the amending
formula pursuant to Section 49 with a particular emphasis on future
processes. There are no proposals on the table that relate directly
to the rights of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada.
Although Aboriginal leaders will not be participating directly
in the First Ministers' deliberations, I believe it is important
for the concerns of Aboriginal Canadians to be taken into account
as we renew Canada. Accordingly, I have asked the Minister of
Intergovernmental Affairs, the Honourable Stéphane Dion,
together with Ministers Irwin, McLellan and Rock, to meet with
you and the leaders of the four other national Aboriginal organizations
as part of the government's preparations for the First Ministers'
Meeting. I have also suggested a meeting to debrief you, following
the First Ministers' discussions.
The First Ministers' Meeting is the beginning of a process of
national renewal that will continue over the coming months and
years. As we work to create a stronger, more modern and more united
Canada, it will be important for the voices of all Canadians,
Aboriginal as well as nonAboriginal, to be heard.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Jim Sinclair
President
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
65 Bank Street, 4th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5N2
Dear Mr. Sinclair:
As you are aware, I have recently written to the Premiers and
the Territorial Government Leaders inviting them to a First Ministers'
Meeting to be held in Ottawa on June 20-21, 1996. A copy of the
agenda is attached for your information. Most of the meeting will
be taken up with discussion of social and economic issues of concern
to all Canadians. There will also be a discussion of the amending
formula pursuant to Section 49, with a particular emphasis on
future processes. There are no proposals on the table that relate
directly to the rights of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada.
Although Aboriginal leaders will not be participating directly
in the First Ministers' deliberations, I believe it is important
for the concerns of Aboriginal Canadians to be taken into account
as we renew Canada. Accordingly, I have asked the Minister of
Intergovernmental Affairs, the Honourable Stéphane Dion,
together with Ministers Irwin, McLellan and Rock, to meet with
you and the leaders of the four other national Aboriginal organizations
as part of the government's preparations for the First Ministers'
Meeting. I have also suggested a meeting to debrief you, following
the First Ministers' discussions.
The First Ministers' Meeting is the beginning of a process of
national renewal that will continue over the coming months and
years. As we work to create a stronger, more modern and more united
Canada, it will be important for the voices of all Canadians,
Aboriginal as well as nonAboriginal, to be heard.
Yours sincerely,
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