Check against delivery.
Dr Mebs Kanji (directeur des Workshops),
Dre Elizabeth Bloodgood (directrice du département de science politique),
Mme Aphrodite Salas (modératrice et journaliste de CTV),
Mesdames,
Messieurs,
C’est avec plaisir que je me retrouve ici, à l’Université Concordia, dans le cadre des activités Workshops on Social Science Research.
Je suis impressionné par le large éventail des sujets couverts par les présentations, que je résumerais sous un grand titre : Comment vivre ensemble?
The Policy of Québec affirmation and Canadian relations addresses this fundamental question of how we can live together in the Canadian federation.
It reminds us of the necessary dialogue aimed at understanding, knowing and acknowledging each other.
Unveiled on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Canadian federation, in its Affirmation component, this policy defines and names the inclusive national identity of Québec.
It aims to make Québec better known to other Canadians, and to make it better understood.
In its Canadian relations component, it aims specially to engage a dialogue with other Canadians, which include all of us:
Dialogue is necessary to a living federation. Governments must of course play an active role in this dialogue, but above all, it is led by civil society.
The future of the country belongs to all Quebecers and all Canadians.
It is not only a government affair, it is a citizens’ project.
Looking back at our Québec-Canada relations, we have talked much about our respective solitudes. The future demands that we also talk about our solidarities.
The 150th anniversary of the federation has given us an opportunity to reflect not only on the long history shared by Québec and Canada, but especially on that which Québec wishes to build with its partners in the federation.
Québec intends to exercise unprecedented leadership within Canada, and will participate actively in developing constructive, harmonious and mutually beneficial relations between all the partners of the Canadian federation, on a multilateral or bilateral basis.
Our experience of joint cabinet meetings with Ontario is good for every Canadian. Why not extend it to all other provinces, to all other Canadians?
Québec also wishes to encourage the development of such relations between all the citizens.
Québec and Ontario are exemplary: they share common values and interests.
On September 21, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne delivered an historic speech before the National Assembly of Québec.
Indeed, it was the first time in 150 years that the head of a government in Canada addressed parliamentarians in what we call the salon Bleu. This in itself is a sign of positive change for the future.
Her presence and speech conveyed the extent of the many solidarities shared by Québec and Ontario.
Among other things, Premier Wynne explained that Québec’s vision of a world that is “plus ouvert, plus vert, plus prospère, plus égalitaire” corresponds to the future to which Ontarians aspire.
I would also like to quote a passage of her speech which testifies to Ontario’s interest in our policy, and its desire to participate in the dialogue we want to initiate.
Premier Wynne said: “Le Gouvernement du Québec a invité l’ensemble du Canada à un dialogue ouvert et démocratique portant sur notre fédération et sur la place unique du Québec au sein du Canada. En Ontario, nous serons heureux de continuer à contribuer à cette discussion.”
Ontario answered “present” to our call for dialogue and this is good news for the future.
As you know, since 1867, Québec is participating in the Canadian project, while affirming its own identity. I will not go back over this history.
I wish above all to draw your attention to the Québec conception of Canadian federalism and to the relations that Québec hopes to cultivate with its different federative partners.
Québec is free to make its own choices, and has chosen the Canadian experience.
However, the question of Québec’s place within Canada remains an issue and a distinctive element of our Canadian relations. Indeed, Québec is particularly interested in intergovernmental issues, in the proper functioning of the federation, and in the very nature of our federation.
To Québec, Canada is neither a mono-national state nor a post-national state.
Canada is a plurinational state.
It has always been.
Today, Québec still upholds this interpretation of our federation.
In Canada, this conception of our union faded beginning in the 1930s, giving way to a new interpretation that led to the repatriation of the Constitution, without Québec, in 1982.
That being said, Québec and Canada have changed a great deal, and the positions on plurinationalism have fortunately advanced since that time.
To illustrate this, let’s go back to Premier Wynne’s recent speech. In it, she spoke of Québec’s distinct society in these words:
“We commend the efforts of this assembly — and all Quebecers — to defend and promote the distinct character of Québec. And, formally and informally, to advance the rights of Francophones from coast to coast to coast and around the world.”
Let us also remember that more than once, the Supreme Court has handed down decisions which recognize the specificity of Québec, its social values and its distinct civil law tradition.
In 2006, the House of Commons also recognized Québec as forming a distinct nation within a united Canada.
Yet Canada still hasn’t formally welcomed this nation within its fold.
What, then, is this Québec Nation?
The Québec Nation is composed of a French-speaking majority.
It also includes the historical and dynamic presence of an English-speaking community that has contributed to the economic, social and cultural progress of Québec and holds recognized rights.
This community participates in the construction of the modern Québec and in the expression of its identity.
The Québec Nation recognizes eleven Aboriginal nations spread across Québec.
Indeed, the government of Québec has maintained a nation-to-nation relationship with the First Nations and with the Inuits for several decades.
We have the firm intention of continuing along these lines, by playing a more substantive role in strengthening the social, cultural and economic development of these nations, in order that they may take on greater responsibility in these areas.
Finally, the Québec Nation also benefits from great cultural diversity, which integrates to its historical fabric, following the pace of interculturalism, a model based on reciprocity that aims specifically to ensure the balance between openness to diversity and maintaining the distinct character of the Québec Nation.
In other words, the balance between, on the one hand, the continuity of a distinct collective identity, closely linked to the history of Québec and to its Francophone character, and on the other hand, openness to mutual and collective enrichment through the recognition of diversity and by valuing intercultural dialogue.
We wish to reinforce the sense of belonging of each member of these different components. We know that to achieve this, we still have a lot of work to do.
This willingness to include is also what Quebecers expect from Canada.
Recognizing and accepting specific collective belongings is the only road leading to a common belonging.
Quebecers feel an attachment to their specific character. Our allegiance to the Québec Nation is real and is strong. Moreover, to the majority of Quebecers – 75% – this allegiance is also in addition to the sense of belonging within Canada.
Must we fight against these plural belongings?
Must we choose between being Quebecer and being Canadian?
Are we forced to choose one component of our identity to the detriment of another?
To these questions, we answer that on the contrary, we may provide a model to the world, a form of federalism that confidently recognizes and gives its rightful place to the collective diversity of its nations.
This vision, which seeks to bring different sense of belongings closer together, rather than to put them in opposition to one another, fits in with history, but also with a contemporary current of political thought that sees federalism as an optimal mode for managing the coexistence of different national communities within one state.
In short, it is a federation that welcomes all the dimensions of diversity: individual diversity and collective diversity, particularly national diversity.
And, as Errol Mendes of Ottawa University said last week, that approach would be useful in other regions of the world, having Spain and Catalonia in mind.
This openness to collective diversity offers an answer to the aspirations of Quebecers and opens a way to the restructuration of our relations with the First Nations and the Inuits.
A federation that is authentically plurinational is founded on consent and on shared sovereignty.
It is built and it evolves through a fair, honest and respectful dialogue, in which all partners seek to understand one another mutually and to better understand each other’s aspirations.
Motivated by an inclusive perspective on humanity, our project seeks to bring closer together individual and collective diversities.
In an anxious world, tempted by isolation and identity withdrawal, Québec and all Canadians have the opportunity to come together, to share and realize the ambitious idea of bringing together the plurality of our belongings instead of putting them in opposition.
In the face of global challenges raised by increased migration, economic delocalization and increased inequality, Quebecers and Canadians can together offer the world the beginning of an answer on how to live together, by choosing plural belongings and recognizing and accepting national diversity.
This is at once an imposing challenge and an exciting humanistic project.
It is a project for all Quebecers; it is a project for all Canadians.
Today, dialogue between all the parties must prevail if we are to agree on the way to conceive Canadian federalism and to make it evolve together.
Québec does not seek to weaken Canadian federalism, nor to undermine it. On the contrary, it seeks to perfect it.
From this viewpoint, from now on, our government will use all relevant forums to share and open the dialogue on a vision of Canada that favours plural belongings, on the basis of openness, mutual recognition and the respect of individual and collective diversity.
Québec will also openly support the principles of Canadian federalism, beginning with equality between federal and provincial governments and the respect of the division of powers.
Québec will continue to maintain that the federal institutions, particularly the Senate and the Supreme Court, are common institutions that belong to the members of the federation; to Québec just as to the other provinces and territories, and not solely to the federal government.
Québec considers that they must better reflect its national reality.
The specificity of Québec leads to specific responsibilities in its fields of jurisdiction recognized under the Constitution.
These responsibilities are also expressed through the extension of these same areas of jurisdiction on the international scene.
As any normal society, Québec has always been watchful and acted so as to preserve its ability to develop and implement policies, programs and interventions that respond to the needs of its society.
This is why, each time it proves necessary, Québec prefers asymmetry as a means of achieving real equality and of ensuring the progress of the federation, while respecting the respective areas of jurisdiction and collective aspirations.
If this notion of asymmetry has not always been well understood, this is now changing.
Once again, allow me to quote the Premier of Ontario speaking before the National Assembly:
“Where our approach differs, it always remains grounded in our shared values of equality, fairness and respect for diversity. This asymmetry makes it possible to pursue common ends while respecting Québec’s priorities and unique requirements as the only predominantly French-speaking jurisdiction in Canada and all of North America.”
In contrast to certain received ideas, asymmetry benefits all the provinces. The adoption of asymmetrical measures indeed makes it possible to reduce undue political tensions and counterproductive confrontations, and facilitates participation in common projects.
In fact, the pursuit of greater asymmetry does not contradict the concept of equality between the provinces.
On the contrary, asymmetry makes it possible to ensure real equality.
It also reflects the federal spirit by reconciling the principles of unity and diversity.
In concrete terms, the flexibility and asymmetry sought by Québec would mean that, because of its national character, it could be required to exercise certain responsibilities that would not necessarily be taken up by the other provinces.
Let's not forget that Québec is the only state with a French-speaking majority among the provinces of the Canadian federation, and that it believes it has clear responsibilities with respect to Quebecers' self-affirmation.
The practice of asymmetrical federalism allows us to pursue common Canadian objectives while respecting priorities and approaches in Québec.
This is not an instrument to allow Québec to separate itself from the other provinces, but a flexible method that will facilitate Québec's support for joint projects.
Asymmetry in Canada is a way to promote the cohabitation of its constituent nations.
It offers the recognition needed for a plurality of ways of belonging.
This may appear paradoxical, but asymmetry is a means of bringing us closer together.
Québec now prefers proactive diplomacy.
The goal is to maintain and foster fruitful relations within the federation.
We will maintain our relation with all governments of Canada.
But we will do more than that.
More than just intergovernmental relations, we want more global Canadian relations.
First, our dialogue must also include the members of legislatures, beginning with our common federal institutions, the House of Commons and the Senate.
The dialogue to which Québec invites other Canadians is not, however, only a dialogue with those involved in politics.
We also, and especially, wish that civil society take an active role in this dialogue. My presence among you today is an illustration of this desire.
For example, we wish for Québec academics to share their ideas even more often with their counterparts elsewhere in Canada.
We would also like young Quebecers, university graduates or entrepreneurs to follow internships elsewhere in Canada and for young people from the rest of Canada to follow internships in Québec.
We are examining the idea of an exchange program between Québec public servants and those of other provinces.
We want more interactions among social, environmental, cultural, economic and governmental spheres.
We may choose to get to know one another, or to renew our acquaintance.
And we can do this, because we are already more than only two solitudes cohabiting next to each other.
The ties between Quebecers and other Canadians are deep, longstanding and lasting.
They have taken shape over time, and they tell a story that contrasts with that of the political and constitutional disputes that have punctuated governmental relations between Québec and Canada.
They tell of the thousands of interactions that take place every day in the business world, through commercial trade, in charitable organizations, through labour unions and solidarity movements, in the fight against climate change, on the part of all the Quebecers who travel or go to live elsewhere in Canada, and of all the other Canadians who come to discover Québec or who choose to settle there.
Out of all these ties, a way of living together and a common understanding of our particular collective senses of belonging are being forged.
This is what we wish to rely on to break the taboo of Québec’s place in Canada.
Quebecers, who have a strongly felt national identity, have freely chosen to build their future with other Canadians.
The recognition of Québec’s national reality, and its eventual formulation in the text of the Constitution, would be an expression of fundamental respect, the cornerstone upon which trust and cooperation can be built.
However, the time when constitutional changes could be negotiated by heads of government behind closed doors is a thing of the past.
The Policy marks a change. It recognizes that constitutional modifications will be possible only once Quebecers and other Canadians have come closer together.
We are convinced that with time, when we will have learned to know each other, we will be able to acknowledge each other.
And when we will meet again to add to our Constitution, it will not be on opposite sides of the table, tearing each other apart.
It will be all of us, on the same side of the table. Because, we will know each other, we will understand each other.
We will better accept each other for what we are.
In the case of Québec: a nation; a neighbour; a partner; a member of the family.
Two weeks ago, Premier Wynne reminded us that Québec and Ontario were “les moteurs de notre fédération”, in addition to expressing the hope that the two provinces will continue to grow together, flourish together, succeed together.
Of course, we share this willingness.
Québec and Ontario maintain a privileged relationship within the Canadian federation, and this relationship is beneficial to the rest of Canada.
Together, we form the fourth largest economy in North America, after those of California, Texas and New York State1.
Each year, Québec exports 40 billion dollars’ worth of goods and services to Ontario, and in return imports 43 billion dollars’ worth. This is a trade flow of over 80 billion dollars that circulates between our two provinces – it is a colossal amount2.
Every day, thousands of Quebecers and Ontarians collaborate, exchange, discuss and work together.
We contribute over 60% of Canada’s GDP and account for more than 75% of the country’s manufacturing output3.
Today, Québec and Ontario are major trading partners, whose economic structures are complementary in many ways4. Our two provinces have never been so close together.
In keeping with global trends, our economies are becoming increasingly integrated.
Less and less we are competitors; more and more we are partners.
This is also true of the Québec-Alberta relationship.
I think it is important to elaborate on this relationship, particularly today, as voices of contention and misunderstandings are rising.
Some could interpret these voices as a reason to distance ourselves, to nourish our oppositions, to reinforce our prejudices.
Reciprocal bashing is so tempting.
I prefer to see in them one more reason for fostering closer links, for a better dialogue, for intensifying the explanation of our respective interests.
Of course, we could recognize the economic problems brought by lower oil prices and decreased production; the resulting social impact includes precarious employment, and general uncertainty.
We could also, measure the impact of the climate protection our planet requires, of the on-going energy transition, and the economic opportunities it brings.
We could agree that the best way to give each other hope, it is to emerge from conflict, to seek to come closer together and to forge new solidarities.
History, distance and geography have sometimes prevented sustained relations from being formed between Québec and Alberta. However, in contrast to certain received ideas, the two provinces have much in common.
The trade links between Québec and Alberta, for example, are greater than many people tend to believe. Each year, Québec exports nearly 10 billion dollars’ worth of goods and services to Alberta, and in return, it imports 6 billion dollars’ worth of goods and services.
This amounts to over 15 billion dollars being transacted between our two provinces, every year5.
Polemists who claim that Québec “behaves as an abductor, holding Canada captive and extorting money from the federal government (and thus from Alberta) to finance its generous social services6” do not have a good understanding of Canada’s fiscal architecture, in addition to having a very poor understanding of the importance of interprovincial trade within the country.
Calgary, which has been twinned with Québec city since 1956, is one of the most dynamic cities in Canada. Its dynamism perfectly reflects that of the province.
Alberta’s influence has increased on the Canadian political scene. The political orientations of the governments of this province now have a profound influence on national debates concerning, for example, the role of the state, and social policies7. Québec is absolutely not disturbed by the rise of Alberta.
On the contrary!
Quebecers, for the most part, have a positiveimage of Alberta8.
Indeed, in Québec people are interested in knowing what is really happening in Alberta, on the economic, political, cultural and environmental levels. As stated in the Policy on Québec affirmation and Canadian relations, there is a desire to know; a desire for dialogue.
We should also be aware that a great many Quebecers are currently living and working in Alberta9.
Political scientist Frédéric Boily is one of them.
As he recently noted in one of his writings, there are many comparative studies between Canada and the United States, but very few interprovincial comparisons – Canadians do not know one another very well.
We therefore know much more about what distinguishes Québec and Canada from the United States than about the distinctions and similarities between Manitoba and New Brunswick, or between Alberta and Québec.
This is a situation that Québec hopes to change. We need to come closer to each other in order to get to know one another better and to acknowledge one another.
Despite occasional disagreements, Québec and Alberta share what Frédéric Boily handsomely describes as “l’esprit de rébellion provincial10”.
For example, both provinces have always been mistrustful of attempted encroachments by the federal government. Québec and Alberta recently opposed the setting up of a national securities commission, and the Supreme Court found in their favour – the federal government was once again outstepping the bounds of the Constitution.
Instead of cultivating conflict, Quebec and Alberta can show the way.
Moments like the one we are going through right now can bring out the best in us.
We should be inspired by the remarks of Alberta Premier, Rachel Notley, commenting, in June, on the launch of our policy:
“Québec is an excellent partner to Alberta and we have a good working relationship built on shared values and interests. Québec's desire to speak to their fellow citizens throughout the country about their values, culture and perspective in our Confederation is welcome. As an Albertan, I look forward to sharing the values and perspective we bring to the conversation. Listening to each other is an important part of how we keep a country of such great diversity unified, and make it even stronger than it is today.”
Our Canadian relations cannot be summarized by the sole idea of the two solitudes. We also have solidarities.
Other demonstrations of this fact include:
Our commercial trade with New Brunswick is more important than that with France.
We trade more with British Columbia than with China.
We increasingly observe that it is to our advantage, not to be competitors, but rather to be partners for a better world.
That is what our Policy of affirmation and Canadian relations is about.
It is not just about constitution.
It is about being together, building the future together.
Allow me to say a few words on language, often presented as an element of distance, of solitude.
We are 10.5 million Francophones and Francophiles in Canada.
In the world, there are currently 250 million French speakers.
In 2050, there will be 700 million.
Canada has an advantage that few countries share. It possesses a window on the English-speaking world and a window on the French-speaking world.
It is in the interest of all Canadians to benefit from the economic, social, cultural, environmental and diplomatic benefits resulting from these windows.
Let us open wide these windows.
Let us take advantage of this reality.
Our two languages should bring us closer, rather than further apart.
They should be bridges between us, not trenches separating us.
For us Quebecers, a stronger echo of the French language in Canada is a welcome signal which reinforces our sense of belonging to Canada.
The 150th anniversary of the Canadian federation has given us the opportunity to reflect on our history. It has also and especially provided us with an exceptional opportunity to engage in discussion on the evolution of federalism; on the Canada of the next 150 years.
This is an opportunity that we may all grasp together, collectively.
The Canadian federal model, while it can be perfected, is rich in promise for the future.
Because at its very source, there is still the idea of a plurinational state where each one has a place, the affirmation of a will to live together while respecting diversity.
That being said, a process that aims to allow Québec’s full membership in the constitutional order must be imbued with realism and caution.
This membership must be seen as the culmination of the dialogue of which I speak, since it will have made it possible to reinforce the yet-fragile trust between all the federative partners.
This is why it appeared important to me to come to Concordia University to meet with you and to present the Policy on Québec affirmation and Canadian relations, to talk to you about the ties of solidarity that exist between our provinces; about the ties that already exist; about these new ties that we can build together – more business ties, more academic ties, more social ties, more cultural ties – and about how we can share a dream for a better world.
This project could be yours as well.
I therefore wish to invite you to take part in this dialogue.
How?
Collaborate with your counterparts, whether through research projects, symposia, or student exchanges.
Set up activities that bring people together.
Put pen to paper, choose to foster creating links between our citizens, lift the constitutional taboo that has set in within the public forum.
Reinvest in the intellectual, political and economic circles, in newspapers, and in social networks!
The invitation has been extended.
Together, we can build the Canada of tomorrow.
We can, and we want to do it.
Because we are Quebecers, and it’s our way of being Canadians.
Thank you.
