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- Title
Canada as a Social Experiment.
- Authors
Bernard, Paul
- Abstract
A vote in the House of Commons has recognized the sociological fact that Quebec is a distinct society, but even this platitude has had no echo in provincial legislatures. Any implication of this resolution for the interpretation of the constitution in the future was carefully avoided. It was a case of saying it without saying it. Quebec is to be denied any special status or power with respect to political questions it deems necessary to its continued existence as a distinct society, the rights of all provinces to be equal become sacred. This late-coming principle to the constitution seems to be taken for granted without the least bit of discussion, except for vague references to the American tradition. In Quebec, sovereigntists have already come up with the idea of a partnership. Much as they want independence, they realize there are major difficulties ahead if the rest of Canada is hostile. The considerations go beyond avoiding reprisals they mean pursuing. under different political arrangements, a cooperation which has produced some very worthwhile achievements economically, but also politically and culturally, and which has contributed to buttressing our capacity to remain distinct from our American neighbors.
- Subjects
QUEBEC (Province); CANADA; LEGISLATIVE resolutions; PROVINCIAL constitutions; SOVEREIGNTY; LEGISLATIVE bodies
- Publication
Canadian Journal of Sociology, 1996, Vol 21, Issue 2, p245
- ISSN
0318-6431
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.2307/3341980