This discussion paper is based on research of public opinion polling in
an effort to promote better understanding of Canadian attitudes and the Calgary
Declaration among ordinary Canadians,
and to find ways to advance Canadian unity in a spirit of respect and
trust.
Introduction
The national unity dilemma is the consequence of secessionist forces that
have over the years influenced the public agenda and the hearts and minds of Quebecers.
Effective communications can largely resolve the problem without the need for substantive
constitutional changes.
The October 30, 1995 Quebec referendum revealed that supporters of
Canadian unity have a major credibility challenge to overcome. Many Quebecers accept the
messages and arguments conveyed by the sovereigntists and doubt those of the federalists.
There are a number of myths being propagated by sovereigntists. The notion
that Canada is too centralized and does not give Quebec sufficient latitude to pursue its
aspirations is one such falsehood. The other common myth is that Quebec has never received
its fair share in the Canadian federation.
These misleading views can easily be dismissed through factual arguments.
Unfortunately, the tame federalist strategy implemented during the referendum campaign
made it easy for misguided separatist rhetoric and hyperbole to discredit Canada. This is
a strategic mistake that should not be repeated.
Perhaps the most difficult misunderstanding to clarify is that English
Canada is unsympathetic to Quebec's desire to preserve and promote its French language and
cultural identity. This view is incorrect, but it is a topic that stirs emotions and
cannot be easily countered through reason. It is a perception that can only be changed
through a declaration from English Canada that recognizes the unique situation of Quebec.
This would go a long way towards making Quebecers feel more at home within Canada.
The Dual Identity of Quebecers
Most Quebecers see themselves first as citizens of Quebec than Canada.
This forced choice, however, masks the dual identities of Quebecers. While the sense of
pride in Canada is not as strong than in the rest of the country, Quebecers definitely
feel an attachment to Canada.
The desire to retain ties with Canada was revealed in an Environics survey
conducted in March of 1997. When offered a list of constitutional options for Quebec, less
than one-in-five (19%) believed outright independence was the best choice for Quebec. The
rest favoured maintaining at least some links to Canada. About 19 percent preferred
sovereignty association, 10 percent special status, and 40 percent the present status. The
remaining 12 percent expressed no opinion. (See Table 1)
There is little value in trying to convince the minority committed
independentists (19%) to remain in Canada. Nothing short of complete succession would be
acceptable. An appropriate strategy to keep the country united is to focus on the large
segment of the Quebec population that have divided loyalties to Canada and Quebec, but who
want to see change because they have bought into the myth that the current federation does
not work for them. Again, these are the current supporters of sovereignty association
(19%) and special status (10%) for Quebec, and probably many of the undecided (12%). It
would be unrealistic to expect to change the views of all these individuals. What is
required to win a future referendum is to convince a portion of this segment of the
population.
TABLE 1
Constitutional Options For Quebec
(March 1997)
% who say is best option
|
Quebec
|
Rest of Canada
|
Present Status
|
40
|
73
|
Independence
|
19
|
10
|
Special Status
|
10
|
7
|
Sovereignty-Association
|
19
|
3
|
DK/NA
|
12
|
7
|
Question:Here are some constitutional options that have
been proposed for Quebec. Which one do you think would be best: present status in Canada,
special status, sovereignty-association or independence? (Environics Research)
The Facts About Canada
There are no shortage of arguments to demonstrate to Quebecers the
advantages of staying in Canada.
We live in a large and wealthy country with one of the highest standards
of living in the world. This has been achieved through a strong economic union in which
Quebec has been a major player.
English and French speaking Canadians share a common set of values.
Studies have shown that we see ourselves as tolerant and generous. We believe in
compassion leading to collective responsibility, equality, fairness and individual
freedom. These core values are important bonds of nationhood.
The often heard argument in Quebec that Canada is a centralized and
repressive federation is untrue. Quebec not only has its own civil code, but exercises a
greater autonomy than other provinces in a number of areas including taxation, public
pension, immigration, culture, and international relations. Flexibility is also being
demonstrated through current federal initiatives to clarify responsibilities with respect
to the provinces in areas like mining, forestry, recreation, social housing, labour market
training, and the environment.
A well orchestrated campaign by sovereigntists has created the perception
that Quebecers pay more taxes to the federal government than they receive in return
through public programs. A public opinion survey conducted by Compass in May 1997 confirms
that Quebecers believe they are not getting their fair share from the federation. The
results showed that seven-in-ten (69%) Quebec respondents believed that it was at least
somewhat true that the federal government "takes more tax money from Quebecers than
it gives back."
Federalists must aggressively counter the erroneous belief that Quebecers
are getting a bad deal from the federation. The facts indicate that Quebec pays less taxes
than wealthier provinces because it has lower income relative to the national average. It
is a major beneficiary from federal income redistribution programs like Equalization,
Canada Health and Social Transfer, and employment insurance. Quebec also receives
significant fiscal benefits from programs that are geared to create jobs in areas like
research and development, pharmaceuticals, and aviation.
Quebec As A Distinct Society
Facts and arguments alone cannot convince Quebecers to stay. There is a
deeply held view that the unwillingness of the rest of Canada to constitutionally
recognize Quebec as different suggests a lack of comprehension about the needs and
aspirations of Quebecers.
Table 2 reveals that a solid majority (58%) of Canadians outside of Quebec
oppose recognizing Quebec in the Constitution as a distinct society. There is a clear
dichotomy in the views of Quebecers and other Canadians on the meaning of distinct
society. Table 3 indicates that most Canadians outside of Quebec believe distinct society
recognition will give Quebec greater powers (54%) than other provinces and reduce the
rights of minorities (63%) and the use of English (69%) in Quebec.
TABLE 2
Support For Distinct Society Recognition
For Quebec
(May 1997)
| |
Quebec
|
Rest of Canada
|
Support
|
74
|
34
|
Oppose
|
21
|
58
|
DK/NA
|
5
|
8
|
Question: Do you agree or disagree that Quebec should be
recognized as a distinct society in the constitution of Canada? (Environics Research)
TABLE 3
Meaning of Distinct Society For Quebec
(March 1996)
% Yes, Does Mean
| |
Quebec
|
Rest of Canada
|
Quebec would have greater powers than other provinces
|
34
|
54
|
Would reduce minority rights in Quebec
|
22
|
63
|
Would reduce English in Quebec
|
35
|
69
|
Quebecers would feel better about Canada than they do
now
|
59
|
36
|
Question: In your opinion, if Quebec were recognized as
a distinct society in the constitution, does it mean that...? (Environics Research)
Quebecers, on the other hand, disagree with these opinions. They see the
recognition of Quebec=s distinctiveness from the
rest of Canada as a declaration of respect and solidarity with their aspirations to
preserve and promote their francophone society. Most Quebecers (59%), for example, would
feel better about Canada if distinct society recognition were entrenched in the
Constitution.
The misunderstanding of English Canadians about the implications of
recognizing Quebec as a distinct society must be addressed. It should be conveyed that
this would have little effect on English Canada. It would not change the division of
powers between governments. Furthermore, the Supreme Court is already interpreting the
Charter of Rights and the Constitution in a manner that takes into account Quebec's need
to protect its French-speaking character. Entrenching Quebec's distinctiveness in the
Constitution would provide a permanent guarantee to a matter of convention and practice.
Summary
Past attempts to resolve our unity problem solely through constitutional
changes were misguided. Canada is a success story. Myths have been generated over the
years that threaten the break-up of the country. These misconceptions must be addressed
through reason, dialogue and effective dissemination of information.
