After the Referendum. Where do we go from here?

Transcription

1 After the Referendum Where do we go from here?

2 As you read, the Quebec Referendum of 1980 lost. The votes were 40.4% in favour and 59.6% not.

3 Q: What are some potential solutions to repair the relationship between Canada and Quebec? Please discuss with a partner. We will discuss as a class after.

4 Aftermath

5 Aftermath What did end up happening? Following the loss of the Referendum, Rene Levesque demanded the Pierre Trudeau keep his promise to patriate the constitution. What does that mean?

6 Patriate: To transfer control over (a constitution) from a mother country to its former dependency.

7 Why was this important? By 1980, Canada could not amend or alter the power dynamics of provinces (or the nation) without consent from the British Parliament.

8 Aftermath continued.. Unfortunately, the premiers of each province and territory were unable to put their own ambitions aside and talks to negotiate a consensus failed. So P. Trudeau made the move to push through and make a unilateral request to the British Government.

9 Supreme Court later stated that should powers be reduced, provinces must be consulted. Aftermath continued.. This angered provinces who retaliated by joining forces to challenge this action in court. (The Gang of 8) The courts sided with the federal government. They did not need provincial support to patriate the constitution.

10 In the end.. Kitchen Accord: Chrétien included a "notwithstanding clause" which would allow provinces to exempt their laws from certain Charter rights. 6/8 provinces met up to negotiate a proposal Quebec was not informed, Levesque claimed it was a night of long knives

11 In the end.. Implementation of the Constitution Act on Nov Signed by Queen Elizabeth Took 5 years to bring Quebec into the constitutional accord By 1988, Canada introduced the Multiculturalism Act

12 Multiculturalism Act: It is hereby declared to be the policy of the Government of Canada to (a) recognize and promote the understanding that multiculturalism reflects the cultural and racial diversity of Canadian society and acknowledges the freedom of all members of Canadian society to preserve, enhance and share their cultural heritage; (b) recognize and promote the understanding that multiculturalism is a fundamental characteristic of the Canadian heritage and identity and that it provides an invaluable resource in the shaping of Canada s future; (c) promote the full and equitable participation of individuals and communities of all origins in the continuing evolution and shaping of all aspects of Canadian society and assist them in the elimination of any barrier to that participation;

13 Multiculturalism Act: It is hereby declared to be the policy of the Government of Canada to (d) recognize the existence of communities whose members share a common origin and their historic contribution to Canadian society, and enhance their development; (e) ensure that all individuals receive equal treatment and equal protection under the law, while respecting and valuing their diversity; (f) encourage and assist the social, cultural, economic and political institutions of Canada to be both respectful and inclusive of Canada s multicultural character; (g) promote the understanding and creativity that arise from the interaction between individuals and communities of different origins;

14 Multiculturalism Act: It is hereby declared to be the policy of the Government of Canada to (h) foster the recognition and appreciation of the diverse cultures of Canadian society and promote the reflection and the evolving expressions of those cultures; (i) preserve and enhance the use of languages other than English and French, while strengthening the status and use of the official languages of Canada; and (j) advance multiculturalism throughout Canada in harmony with the national commitment to the official languages of Canada. See more at:

15 What does that mean? Multiculturalism is the inclusion of all cultures. Canada was the first country in the world to make it into official policy. But is multiculturalism truly inclusive?

16 Multiculturalism was also intended to acknowledge the need for increased understanding between ethnic groups, and the need to address racial discrimination In an article by Verna St. Denis: The initial 1971 multicultural policy was an attempt to respond to the demands of French-language speakers, an increasing culturally diverse citizenry, and Aboriginal people. As has been observed, multiculturalism was introduced so that bilingualism would not create extra problems (Wood and Gilbert 2005, 682). The Multicultural Act of 1988 was intended to address the concerns of multiple ethnic groups, such as Ukrainians, who wanted recognition of their presence and contributions to Canada.

17 In an article by Verna St. Denis: In Canada, both Aboriginal people and racialized immigrants are concerned with the use of multicultural discourses to manage and silence competing interests within the nation Similar concerns but not the same Aboriginal peoples are concerned with Indigenous sovereignty and asserting rights based on their original and continuing occupation of the land multiculturalism is a form of colonialism and works to distract from the recognition and redress of Indigenous rights

18 Thoughts?

19 Despite the patriation of the constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Quebec still felt ostracized. By 1995, there was another referendum.

20 HW: Please complete the questions on the handout.

21 If you want to order your own (free) copy of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Bill of Rights please go to this link: ?wbdisable=true