Hinting at a new strategy to keep Canada intact, the justice minister said Monday the government might seek a Supreme Court ruling on whether Quebec could legally secede.

It was the first time Prime Minister Jean Chretien’s government has raised the possibility of a legal challenge to secession by the mostly French-speaking province. In the past, Chretien has said Quebeckers have a right to decide their future for themselves.

Separatists in Quebec lost an independence referendum by a very narrow margin last fall, and recent polls indicate they would win if another vote were held now.

Justice Minister Allan Rock said no decision had been made yet, but a legal challenge was “an option we are considering.”

Chretien’s Cabinet is said to be divided on the wisdom of court action, with some concerned that the move could backfire in public opinion, polarizing Quebeckers and other Canadians.