Ottawa’s efforts still did not lessen from Québec’s stubborn refusal. In 1987, PM Brian Mulroney attempted to accomplish Trudeau’s career-long wish: get Québec to sign the Constitution. These efforts took the name of the Meech Lake Accord. When Québec refused to sign the Constitution in 1981, it estranged itself from the Canadian “constitutional family”. During constitutional discussions, Québec made many proposals whose acceptance would have led to its addition to the Constitution. The accord recognized Québec as a distinct society within Canada. In order to become a law, the accord had to be ratified and Québec was one of the first to pass the resolution of approval. Saskatchewan and Alberta also ratified the Accord. Manitoba and New Brunswick
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It reappeared in 1995, but this time with more promising results. The ballot question was: “Do you agree that Québec should become sovereign, after having made a formal offer to Canada for a new economic and political partnership, within the scope of the bill respecting the future of Québec and the agreement signed on June 12, 1995?” There were many advantages to a “YES” vote. For instance, French language and culture would be maintained and money would be saved on maintaining two official languages (product labels, education, translations in parliament discussions, etc.). On the other hand, the disadvantages were that Québec would have to financially support itself and there would be many hardships for the people living in Québec who did not speak French. Premier Jacques Parizeau of the Parti Québecois led the referendum, fulfilling the promise he made when he was elected. Even though he worked very hard to promote his separatist views, the “NO” side was victorious by a narrow majority of 50.58%. Following the referendum, there was controversy relating to the counting of the ballots. There were complaints of spoiled ballots and the eligibility of voters along with other concerns. There seemed to be no end to Canada’s constitutional uncertainty. The day after the referendum, Jacques Parizeau resigned and was replaced by Bloc Québecois leader, Lucien Bouchard. Recently, when Bouchard was asked about
It reappeared in 1995, but this time with more promising results. The ballot question was: “Do you agree that Québec should become sovereign, after having made a formal offer to Canada for a new economic and political partnership, within the scope of the bill respecting the future of Québec and the agreement signed on June 12, 1995?” There were many advantages to a “YES” vote. For instance, French language and culture would be maintained and money would be saved on maintaining two official languages (product labels, education, translations in parliament discussions, etc.). On the other hand, the disadvantages were that Québec would have to financially support itself and there would be many hardships for the people living in Québec who did not speak French. Premier Jacques Parizeau of the Parti Québecois led the referendum, fulfilling the promise he made when he was elected. Even though he worked very hard to promote his separatist views, the “NO” side was victorious by a narrow majority of 50.58%. Following the referendum, there was controversy relating to the counting of the ballots. There were complaints of spoiled ballots and the eligibility of voters along with other concerns. There seemed to be no end to Canada’s constitutional uncertainty. The day after the referendum, Jacques Parizeau resigned and was replaced by Bloc Québecois leader, Lucien Bouchard. Recently, when Bouchard was asked about