Grade 10 Canadian History: Since World War One, CHC2P

Canada 1982 - PresentD3.2

We will describe some significant issues and/or developments that have affected the relationship between Quebec and the federal government since 1982

Learning Goals

Success Criteria: We will describe the following and explain some changes that have resulted from them:- The Meech Lake Accord- The Charlottetown Accord- The creation of the Bloc Québécois- The 1995 referendum- The Clarity Act- The Calgary Declaration

What was the Meech Lake Accord?

In 1987, the P.M. Brian Mulroney tried to persuade Québec to accept the revised Canadian Constitution. Québec had rejected it in 1981 when the new Constitution was patriated from Britain by P.M Pierre Trudeau. This was an agreement between the federal and provincial governments to amend the Constitution by strengthening provincial powers and declaring Québec a "distinct society." However, the accord failed due to lack of unanimous provincial ratification.

What was the Charlottetown Accord?

The Charlottetown Accord was the second attempt to have Quebec accept the revised constitutional. A national referendum was held - the Accord was defeated by a vote of 55% to 45%.

Who were the Bloc Québécois?

This federal political party was founded by Lucien Bouchard. The BQ promotes Quebec sovereignty by advocating political secession from Canada. The Bloc did not win enough seats in the 2011 election to get official party status in the House of Commons. It has strong informal ties to the provincial Parti Quebecois.

What was the 1995 Quebec Referendum?

"Do you agree that Quebec should become sovereign after having made a formal offer to Canada for a new economic and political partnership within the scope of the bill respecting the future of Quebec and of the agreement signed on June 12, 1995?“

The motion to determine if Quebec should secede from Canada was defeated by a very narrow margin of 50.58% "No" to 49.42% "Yes".

What was the Clarity Act?

In 2000 Parliament passed this act after the Supreme Court of Canada created some legal principles governing provincial secession. The Clarity Act indicated that the secession of a province could only occur through a constitutional amendment.This means that a Canada cannot be divided by a one-vote majority in a provincial referendum.

What is the Calgary Declaration?

In 1997, the Canadian premiers met in Calgary to draft a response to Quebec Premier Lucien Bouchard’s demand that Quebec be given new powers. It read: “all provinces, while diverse in their characteristics, have equality of status.” It recognized “the unique character of Quebec society.” And it insisted that if Ottawa conferred any powers to a province through a constitutional amendment, “these powers must be available to all provinces.” Bouchard refused to sign.