Government Home Search Sitemap Contact Us

December 2, 1997
(Executive Council)

House of Assembly unanimously passes Calgary Declaration

The Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution endorsing the Calgary Declaration. This declaration was the result of a meeting of federalist premiers and territorial leaders on September 14, 1997.

"I think it notable that the newest member of the Canadian federation is the first to endorse these principles of national unity," said Premier Brian Tobin. "The people of Newfoundland and Labrador are committed to this country and to Quebec's place within it."

The House of Assembly also unanimously passed an amendment to the original text arrived at in Calgary - the words "gift of" were removed from the fourth clause of the Calgary Declaration. The amended Newfoundland resolution reads:

"Canada's diversity includes Aboriginal peoples and cultures, the vitality of the English and French languages and a multicultural citizenry drawn from all parts of the world."

The premier and the opposition leader, Loyola Sullivan, agreed to a series of grass-roots consultations with the people of the province, which included e-mailed submissions and a dedicated 1-800 line. Members of the House of Assembly held town hall meetings in their districts to discuss the Calgary Declaration with their constituents.

Contact: Heidi Bonnell, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3570.