With the dawning of a new millennium, it is becoming clearer to
nations of the world that the global community of the next century must be united in
cooperation to ensure humanity's prosperity.
Canada, this great and prosperous nation, this democratic and just
society, has been recognized as a model for the future. The attention of the world has
been drawn to the hallmark of Canada's unique history: the peaceful and cooperative
coexistence of great nations within one nation. Yet, at this time in our history,
Canadians are searching for the very same unity that has made us a beacon to the world.
For this reason, it is our responsibility to acknowledge that which
has brought us the admiration of others. It is our obligation as citizens of the world to
strive to build upon the heritage of our forebears. We must renew the bonds that, forged
in time, have created this partnership of nations within Canada.
Thus, on this day, the______________________________issue this
proclamation of our identity. We proudly declare our intent to ensure, from this day
forward, that our future as Canadians shall be built upon the foundation of these words:
We, the people of Canada, proudly proclaim that we are and
shall always be, with the help of God, a free and self-governing people. Born of the
meeting of the French and English presence on
North American soil which had long been the home of our native peoples, and enriched by
the contribution of millions of people from the four corners of the earth, we have chosen
to create a life together which transcends the differences of blood relationships,
language and religion, and willingly accept the experience of sharing our wealth and
cultures, while respecting our diversity.
Briefing notes: The Proclamation protect.
This Proclamation project is the initiative of Outaouais
Solidarity (SOS), the largest unity group of the National Capital area. Quite
coincidentally, while our provincial Premiers were hammering out their unity ideas, active
members of SOS had been, since April, polishing this Proclamation as a means to re-focus
people's attention to what is commonly referred to as plan A.
The ultimate objective of this project is to have as many
cities, municipalities, and organizations prepared to issue this Proclamation. It would be
ideal to have the 10 provincial and 3 territorial seats of government issuing the
Proclamation on the same day. The exposure and thus the impact of the event would be
dramatic. Realistically though, given the volunteer nature of the endeavour, we expect a
slow steamroller effect to occur as it becomes more widely distributed.
The Proclamation, when issued by your municipality, can be
a substantial gesture of national unity. As well, this Proclamation can be promoted as a
concrete, grassroots demonstration of support for the initiatives of the Calgary
declaration and thereby bolster the increasing momentum of renewal and reconciliation in
our country. One other aspect that should not be ignored is that this Proclamation can
serve as a positive complement to the pro-partition declarations, more than 40 of which
have already been issued throughout Quebec and Ontario.
The ultimate purpose though must be to hold up a mirror to
our fellow Canadians. One that will allow us to see ourselves as we were when this nation
was built, as we are now, and where we can find our common image in an uncertain tomorrow.
At this moment many councilors of the National Capital
area's cities and municipalities are being enrolled to support this initiative with very
positive, if guarded, results. Updates will follow as the networks of unity groups,
cities, and other organizations expand..
For all inquiries please call (819) 684-1625. If you plan to have your municipality or
organization issue this Proclamation, please inform us of your progress.
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