HomeBACKGROUNDER
NATIONAL UNITY CONSULTATIONS
Purpose/Issue:
The views of residents of the province are being requested on this important issue.
National unity has been a difficult problem in Canada. In the past two decades there have been many initiatives to try to resolve this problem.
This is particularly important now. A Quebec election will likely take place sometime in 1998. If the Parti Quebecois wins that election, a Quebec referendum will probably follow in 1999 or 2000.
The Calgary Declaration:
Nine Premiers met in Calgary on September 14 and agreed on a process of consultations with the public on the issue of national unity.
In Calgary, Premiers agreed to a declaration containing seven principles. These principles are intended to serve as a framework for public discussion and consultation.
The resolution of our national unity problem is necessary to ensure a united Canada and a strong national economy, for the benefit of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Consultation Process:
On September 23, Premier Brian Tobin and Leader of the Opposition, Loyola Sullivan announced a process for consultations on the Calgary Declaration for Newfoundland and Labrador.
The consultation process will be grass-roots based.
Consultations will be conducted on a constituency-by-constituency basis by each member of the House of Assembly during the next six weeks. You may comment directly to your Member of the House of Assembly.
You can also provide your comments in other ways - on the Internet, by phone, by fax, and by mail.
On the Internet contact the website at www.gov.nf.ca/unity
Call toll free number from anywhere in the Province - 1-888-47UNITY (1-800-478-6489)
Fax your comments to (709) 729-6027
Mail your comments to:
Newfoundland and Labrador National Unity Consultations,
7th Floor, East Block, Confederation Building,
P.O. Box 8700, St. John's, NF A1B 4J6
Your Views Count
The Calgary Declaration sets forth a framework for consultation.
A debate will be held in the House of Assembly later this fall. At that time, Members will present the views of their constituents to the House on the Calgary Declaration.
The House of Assembly wants to pass a Resolution later this fall that reflects your views on the future of a united Canada.
Similar consultations are going on in every province, except Quebec, leading to similar resolutions in other provincial legislatures.
We hope consultations can lead to a constitutional amendment, at the appropriate time, which reflects our consensus for a united Canada.