Meech Lake Accord.
Quebec's failure to accept the patriation package in 1982 made Quebec feel alienated from the rest of the nation. The Meech Lake accord was introduced by then Prime Minister Brian Mulruoney in an attempt to encourage Quebec to stay in Canada. It was opposed by the leader of the Reform party, Preston Manning, saying that it gave unfair status to Quebec above all the other provinces. The supporters of the accord included Ed Broadbent, leader of the New Democratic Party, John Turner, the leader of the Liberal Party and, in a rare foray into political issues, publicly expressed support for the Accord.
The five main points in the accord were:
The five main points in the accord were:
- The recognition of Quebec as a "distinct society" within Canada.
- At the same time, it recognized the anglophone minority in Quebec as a fundamental characteristic of Canada, as well as the francophone minority elsewhere in Canada.
- A constitutional veto for all provinces.
- Increased provincial powers on matters of immigration.
Extension and regulation of the right for a reasonable financial conpensation to any province that chooses to opt out of any future federal programs. - The provinces were, for the first time, given a formal role in nominating persons to sit on certain federal institutions namely, the Senate and the Supreme Court of Canada).
To Quebecers, the accord was the very minimum that could be accepted. They would allow no more compromise and the Premier, Robert Bourassa, carried that burden with him as he went to negotiate at Meech Lake.
Critics of the accord (including former Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau) besides Quebec argued against the devolution of federal powers to provincial governments. Trudeau claimed that Mulroney had "sold out" to the provinces and that, while distinct, Quebec was no more distinct than any of the other provinces.
Critics of the accord (including former Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau) besides Quebec argued against the devolution of federal powers to provincial governments. Trudeau claimed that Mulroney had "sold out" to the provinces and that, while distinct, Quebec was no more distinct than any of the other provinces.
Result?
An agreement had almost been reached by the provinces. the parliament of Manitoba, who had been one of the last to approve the accord, finally had all the parties agreed to the accord. But, one member, Elijah Harper, refused to consent to the accord and so it did not come to a vote. In order to attempt to give Manitoba time, the minister of federal-provincial affairs suggested an extension of three months. This dissatisfied the premier of Newfoundland, who did not bring the accord to a vote in his legislature, ultimately disintegrating the accord.