Marc Garneau on the 1982 Constitution Act and the Quebec Question

Canada’s interesting constitutional history, as discussed by Liberal MP Marc Garneau from the l’Institut du Nouveau Monde’s round-table 30 Years after the repatriation of the Constitution:  Where are we now? earlier this summer.

One interesting note for our American readers:  the 1982 Constitution Act, including Canada’s Charter of Rights, has never been approved either by the Quebec national parliament, the governing party, or public referendum.

For a succinct review of the history of Canada's 1982 repatriation, check out Professor Norman Hillmer's summary at The Canadian Experience.

From Marc Garneau's presentation:

...

In my opinion, repatriating the constitution and entrenching the Charter had benefits for all provinces, including Quebec, even though there were major political consequences.

I will close by stating again that this is not an ideal situation.

It would be better, in my opinion, if the National Assembly were to approve Canada’s Constitution Act.

But before negotiations can begin, there will have to be a very clear understanding among Quebeckers — in other words, a very strong consensus — about the changes they would like and that would make it possible for them to sign.