Minister states that Clarity Act is legitimate, reasonable and democratic

Intergovernmental Minister Walter Noel today responded to a letter from Bloc Qu�b�cois leader Gilles Duceppe criticizing the Clarity Act. It was delivered to the Speaker of the House of Assembly by Bloc MP Odina Desrochers.

The Clarity Act, passed in the House of Commons on March 15, 2000, fully complies with and gives effect to the 1998 Supreme Court opinion on secession. It guarantees to all Canadians that their federal government will never negotiate the secession of a province unless the House of Commons has determined that the population of that province has clearly expressed its will to cease to be a part of Canada. It also guarantees that any such negotiations, should they occur, would respect the rule of law and constitutional principles.

"This act is not anti-democratic. It is pro-democracy and pro-Qu�bec. It does nothing to detract from the power of a provincial government to consult voters on any question it wishes," said Minister Noel. "The Government of Canada has demonstrated that Qu�becers, as well as all Canadians, have a right to clarity rather than ambiguity and to the protection of the law rather than anarchy."

Minister Noel noted that Qu�becers have twice voted against separation. "They have voted NO on both occasions. It is clearly unjustifiable for the Bloc Qu�b�cois to insist on interpreting their decision as a maybe," the minister concluded.

Media contact: Lynn Barter, Communications, (709) 729-0084.

2000 04 06                                                                     4:30 p.m.