Lögberg-Heimskringla - 02.10.1992, Síða 7

Lögberg-Heimskringla • Föstudagur 2. október 1992 • 7
THE NEW CONSTITUTIONAL AGREEMENT
THE
HIGHUGHTS
Over the past two years, federal, provincial and Aboriginal leaders have
consulted with thousands of Canadians and special interest groups from coast to
coast. These consultations included Royal Commissions, participatory confer-
ences, parliamentary hearings, and hearings in the provinces and territories held
by provincial and territorial legislatures. Federal,
provincial, territorial and Aboriginal leaders have
agreed unanimously on a package of constitu-
tional proposals that recognizes the equality of
all Canadians and represents all of our interests.
The agreement is now before Canadians.
The agreement proposes that the new
Constitution would contain a statement of
key economic and söcial objectives shared by all of the governments in the
federation. The objectives include comprehensive, universal, portable, accessi-
ble and publicly administered health care, adequate social services and
benefits, high quality primary and secondary education and reasonable access
to post-secondary education, collective bargaining rights and a commitment
to protecting the environment. The economic
policy objectives to be entrenched would be
aimed at strengthening the Canadian economic
union; the free movement of persons, goods,
services, and capital; ensuring full employment
and a reasonable standard of living for all
Canadians; ensuring sustainable and equitable
development.
Exclusive provincial jurisdiction would be recognized in the areas of
forestry, mining, tourism, housing, recreation, municipal affairs, cultural matters
within the province, and labour market development and training. In addition,
to ensure the two levels of government work in harmony, the government of
Canada commits to negotiate agreements with
the provinces in areas such as immigration,
regional development and telecommunications.
Federal-provincial agreements on any subject
could be protected by the Constitution from
unilateral change.
As was the case in the Meech Lake
agreement, the new Canadian Constitution
would recognize the distinct nature of Quebec, based on its French language,
unique culture and civil law tradition.
In the reformed Parliament, the Senate would reflect the equality of the
provinces while the Flouse of Commons would
be based more on the principle of representation
by population. As well, Quebec would be
assured a minimum 25% óf the seats in the
House of Commons.
The proposed Senate would be made
up of six elected senators from each province
and one from each territory. Additional seats
would provide representation for Aboriginal peoples. The reform Senate’s
powers should significantly increase the role of the elected Senators in the
policy process.
The proposals recognize that Aboriginal peoples have an inherent
right to self-government and that the Constitution should enable them to
develop self-government arrangements and to take their place in the Canadian
federation. The proposals recognize Aboriginal
governments as one of the three constitutionally
recognized orders of government in Canada.
In addition, the proposals provide for a
negotiation process between Aboriginal leaders
and provincial and federal governments to
put this right into effect. The recognition of the
inherent right would not create any new rights
to land.
Now that Canada’s federal, provincial, territorial and Aboriginal leaders
have reached a consensus, it is the right of all Canadians to understand the
new proposals. Call the toll free number below to receive an easy-to-read
booklet on the new constitutional agreement or a complete text.
It’s your right to know what the constitutional proposals say, before
voting on October 26.
FORINFORMATION CALL:
1-800-561-1188
A Social
and
Economic Union
Avoiding
Overlap and
Duplication
Distinct
Society
Parliamentary
Reform
Aboriginal
Self-
Government