Pearson-Shoyama Institute
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Questions & Answers
by: Equality Party Leader's Office, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Answers to your questions:

Q. What are the constitutional and administrative changes that Quebec would accept?
A. Separatists will accept none. The rest of Quebec will accept the status quo, but won't say so.

Q. Who would negotiate on behalf of Quebec and on behalf of the rest of Canada?
A. It's the Quebec government vs. the FEDS, but we do not have much faith in the FEDS to play the cards.

Q. What is the optimal time for constitutional negotiations?
A. Now. Set out T&C for separation clearly: partition, no C$, no NAFTA, etc...

Q. How much devolution do Canadians in English speaking Canada want?
A. No more! Canada is nearly "not a real country". Too devolved already.

Q. What about "asymmetrical federalism"? (Isn't there a more down to earth term for that?)
A. Have nothing to do with it. It means more privileges for Quebec.

Q. Is there an alternative to the "distinct society" term?
A. No. Do not pursue it. It will backfire in Quebec when ROC rejects it.

Q. Can we really get this thing together or are the desires of Quebec and the other provinces to far apart?
A. Most Quebecers accept the status quo, but won't say so.

Q. Is there a sovereignty-partnership model that could work better than the current situation? Should we go for a velvet separation now rather than wait for another referendum?
A. No. Wait and win the next referendum with the NO to a clear question and no electoral fraud (monitor closely).

Q. Who do we think should be leading on these issues and why? What's right and wrong with the political leaders we have now?
A. FEDS *should* lead but can't as the separatist conspiracy has penetrated Ottawa. See Diane Francis' latest book.

Q. What other approaches are there to creating more understanding among Canadians - youth interchanges, the CBC, the Internet.
A. All of the above but CBC is still appeasing separatists.

Q. How can we advance patriotism across the country?
A. Talk about how good Canada is. Stop being so damned wishy-washy and
hiding our values under false modesty. Develop more self confidence.

Q. What should be the future of policies like bilingualism, multiculturalism, immigration, regional development?
A. Keep bilingualism, downplay multiculturalism (all should be Canadian),
maintain regional development policies but encourage mobility of labour.

Q. Are there other issues that should be addressed in constitutional talks, e.g. education, environment, the veto, supreme court, senate.
A. Yes. Education is vital, we do not do a good job. Environment is, of course,important. Supreme court should uphold rule of law. Senate should be elected.

Q. What are the affects of federal or provincial cutting back on social spending, in health, pensions, social services, etc.
A. They weaken federal powers but this is the price we must pay for previous lax fiscal policy. It will teach us. But FEDS can and must still impose standards.

Q. What are the effects on budget reduction on national unity?
A. Actually makes it harder for Quebec to go. Debtors would pull the plug on the province like a shot.

Q. Is the Canada Health Act still going to be viable?
A. Yes. It is one of the things that defines us. Canadians want it above most other things.

Q. Should we do nothing on the constitutional and devolution fronts?
A. We should state clearly the terms and conditions for any Quebec separation. Then, and only then, will Quebecers vote NO. If we appease, Quebecers will vote YES, not for separation, but for "more powers" for Quebec (what would they do with them?) This damaging spiral must be stopped.

Equality Party Leader's Office, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

*** UNEQUIVOCALLY CANADIAN ***
"POUR UN QUEBEC MEILLEUR!" ** Qui ne dit rien consent **
"FOR A BETTER QUEBEC!" ** He who is silent consents **

Our web-site is: http://www.equality.qc.ca/home