120 likes | 230 Views
The Constitution Debate. Ms. Campbell Socials 11. The Constitution debate. By 1984 Canadians outside Quebec felt the issues of the Constitution had been settled and the focus of government should be the economy. However, in 1984 Brian Mulroney is elected PM
E N D
The Constitution Debate Ms. Campbell Socials 11
The Constitution debate • By 1984 Canadians outside Quebec felt the issues of the Constitution had been settled and the focus of government should be the economy
However, in 1984 Brian Mulroney is elected PM • He promises to repairthe damage of 1982 • Will get Quebec’s consent to the Constitution “with honour and enthusiasm”
Levesque had retired and the Liberal party took office • Robert Bourassa became premier • He was pro-federalist
Mulroney’s priority is to get Quebec to sign the Constitution • Other provinces have demands: • Newfoundland: • Alberta: In response to Western alienation the Reform Partywas formed in 1987
The Meech Lake accord • Mulroney called a conference to propose amendments to the Constitution • To recognized Quebec as a distinct society • To give more power to the provinces What are some potential problems with the Meech Lake Accord?
Opposition to Meech Lake: • Trudeau “two solitudes” • Aboriginal Groups Also have a distinct society
Results: • Manitoba and Newfoundland refused support and the Accord falls apart in June 1990 • Quebec feels rejected by Canada • The Bloc Quebecois forms as a separatist party and their support rises to 64%
The charlottetown accord • A Citizen’s Forum is created to get feedback • Senate reform for equal representation • Aboriginal Self-Government October 1992 Referendum 54.5% Voted to reject the Charlottetown Accord Why did the Charlottetown Accord Fail? Too complicated Trying to please everyone BC thought there was too much power to Quebec Quebec thought they didn’t get enough power Fear of Aboriginal Self-Government
1995 Referendum and after • Quebec is angry and the PQ is elected in 1994 • Premier Jacques Parizeau calls for another referendum
Prime Minister Jean Chretien created the Clarity Bill which insists any YES majority must be substantial before Quebec can exit Canada By the year 2000 support for separatism appeared to be declining http://www.timescolonist.com/life/Sovereignty+debate+1990s+Quebec+poll/5541162/story.html
Separatism Debate Using your notes from the past three classes, your textbook, and any outside sources you wish, prepare an argument for your side of the Separatism Debate make sure you include references to specific events that influence your opinion!