Pearson-Shoyama Institute
Archives
November 7 1995 After the Referendum
Ron Singer, Ottawa.
Lost week we came perilously close to what once seemed unthinkable, the
breakup of Canada . The narrow victory of Federalism has given Canada one last chance. We
must, however, use this eleventh hour reprieve to institute the type of changes that will
insure our country's future. The time for complacency has passed.
In my opinion, Quebec has had de facto distinct society status for years. To recognize
this simple fact constitutionally is overdue and does not represent a sea change in the
status quo. But even those who have reservations about a Meech Lake type of agreement
,must now realize that whatever its imperfections., it is still much more preferable to
what will be the inevitable dissolution of Canada.
We can never again secure a NO vote by promising changes in the future .We also know
that the present situation is clearly unacceptable to the majority of Quebec. The days of
offering the status quo on a ' take it or leave it " basis are over.
Luckily we were given another chance. We tied it up at the bottom of the ninth and now
we can win it in extra innings if we are prepared to sacrifice for the good of the team.
| 
