Recognizing the Quebec Nation : A true reflection of the will of Quebec Federal Liberals – special from Réseau HEM Canada by Marc Garneau
On the 21st of October, the Quebec wing of the Liberal Party of Canada adopted 36 resolutions dealing with various issues, including fiscal imbalance, gun control, the environment and sustainable development and yes, the recognition of Quebec as a nation within Canada.
Since then, a number of journalists have allowed the perception that this process of renewal was influenced by the leadership race.
This is simply false !
Let me set the record straight. The resolutions that were presented were nothing less than the accurate reflection of the will of Quebec Liberals. The drafting of these resolutions represented the culmination of months of consultation and reflection.
Last April, I was given the honour of co-chairing the Quebec Working Group for “A Renewed Liberal Vision”, along with the Honorable Serge Joyal and Mrs. Marie Tremblay. In effect, our mandate was to coordinate the development of policy resolutions to be presented at this October’s LPC(Q) Special General Council.
Based on the 34 themes drafted by the Liberal Party National Renewal Commission, we held a series of regional consultation meetings in order to stimulate discussion which would lead to a series of policy resolutions. During this same period, all riding associations as well as individuals interested in the reflection process were invited to participate either in person, by e-mail or by submitting research papers. More than 500 people contributed to this reflection process in favor of a renewed liberal vision.
Following this consultation, we undertook, with the help of the Party’s Quebec Political Commission, the process of reviewing, collating and integrating the various inputs into a series political resolutions. The concept of recognizing the Quebec Nation emerged clearly as an important issue for Quebec Liberals and this, regardless of which leadership candidate they were backing.
Let’s be clear on this matter as we move forward. The fruit of the work undertaken by the Quebec Working Group for “A Renewed Liberal Vision” accurately reflects the will of Quebec Liberals.
Furthermore, the adoption by a large majority of members of the resolution to recognize the Quebec Nation transcends partisan politics and the leadership race. Men and women from all camps worked for and strongly endorsed this resolution. Why?
Because they have concluded (as I have) that it’s time to reach out to Quebec in order to make Canada a stronger country.
Marc Garneau, Co-chair of the Working Group for “A Renewed Liberal Vision” and ex-President of the Canadian Space Agency – international letter/28-10-06
