Yesterday I tried to show some balance and played devil's advocate in regards to changes in Canada's Parliamentary makeup to somehow satisfy Quebec's minority position.
I touched on the possibility of amending Canada's constitution and opined that perhaps Quebec would be more amenable to compromise in light of the province's deteriorating demographic position, perhaps ready to accept the old saw that half a loaf of bread is better than none.
I didn't expect commenters to agree with me but what I didn't expect was to be the beneficiary of a double whammy. An article in Le Devoir proved my hopeful scenario to be hopelessly naive and unrealistic.
I came across this piece written by Claude Morin, the old Pekist minster (and RCMP informant) and his take on what a constitutional accord would require in order to satisfy Quebec's basic demands. I thought it would be of interest to readers and so here's a translation. I'll save my comments until after you've read it.
TAKING THE NDP AT ITS WORD
"Through the media we have learned that Jack Layton and Thomas Mulcair had delivered a speech with a "nationalist flavor" at the meeting of General Council of the NDP-Quebec in Montreal last Saturday. They announced that they would recognize as valid, the results of a referendum win with a margin of 50% + 1 and in general, would be ready to defend the interests of Quebec against the rest of Canada.
Excellent arrangements, but a little lacking. So I thought to present a memorandum containing a list of reforms, that when implemented, would contribute greatly to what is called the "cultural and linguistic security of Quebecers." It will be interesting to know fairly quickly if they support all these reforms, or only some of them and, if so, why they would reject this or that. Here is the list:
The Constitution, Basic Law of Canada should:
- Formally recognize the Quebec nation (nothing cosmetic, Quebec would be regarded not as a province, but as the homeland of a people);
- State that this recognition is meant to foster a new more constructive Quebec-Canada relationship;
- It would prescribe, that in the case of dispute, the division of jurisdictional powers between Ottawa and Quebec and the allocation of fiscal resources be shared;
- Confirm the power of Quebec over its economic, social and cultural activities;
- Confirm that Quebec is master of its own affairs in areas that it already enjoys under the current constitution (it should go without saying, but would be better to confirm);
- Assert that the territory of Quebec is inviolate, and it is for Quebecers to determine their own future and their policies on citizenship and immigration;
- Clarify that this control extends to the realm of language (where Quebec's jurisdictions have been unilaterally reduced by the federal government and other provinces during the constitutional repatriation of 1982);
- Stipulate that Quebec would define the application of federal powers and spending in areas under its jurisdiction (with the right to compensation if Quebec opts out of new national programs);
- Confer on Quebec in its fields of competence, the right to represent itself abroad, as well as to speak and engage in its own name, in some international forums, and have its own representation in international sporting competitions;
- Provide for the participation of Quebec in appointing Quebec members of the Supreme Court and Senate;
Claude Morin - Former Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs of Quebec- LINK {FR}
- Ensure, finally, that once enshrined in the Constitution these new provisions would be modified only with the consent of the National Assembly of Quebec."
Actually what I think what Mr. Morin is describing is Sovereignty-Association.
About the only thing that Mr. Morin wants Quebec to maintain in its relationship with Canada is EQUALIZATION PAYMENTS!
I am reminded of the fictional character "The Black Knight"in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
As the Black knight battles to defend a bridge, he is hacked up,
piecemeal by King Arthur. As he continues to lose limb after limb, his
bravado increases. Watch the clip on YouTube.
At any rate, it seems to me that Mr. Morin remains as deluded as the
Black Knight and that his position is just as ridiculous. As Quebec's
demographic and economic position decreases, its demands increase!
What the PQ couldn't win after thirty-five years of militancy and two
referendums, Mr. Morin expects Ottawa to give away for free. ...argh!....
