Canadians Tackle Separatism Issue English-Speaking Provinces Try To Assist Quebec Federalists

Leaders of Canada’s English-speaking provinces began a difficult balancing act Sunday: trying to weaken separatist sentiment in Quebec without appearing to offer the French-speaking province special privileges.

Quebec’s separatist premier, Lucien Bouchard, is boycotting the two-day meeting, insisting he would reject any proposals that emerge.

But the other nine premiers hope to generate an initiative to make Quebecers feel more welcome in Canada and thus build support for Bouchard’s federalist opponents in time for provincial elections next year.

If Bouchard’s separatists win re-election, they are expected to swiftly organize a referendum on whether Quebec should declare independence from Canada, similar to one they barely lost in 1995.

“It’s two minutes, three minutes to midnight,” said Saskatchewan Premier Roy Romanow. “We had better have a message for those Quebecers who still believe in this country.”

New Brunswick Premier Frank McKenna said the leaders don’t expect the meeting to resolve all questions. “The simple object of the meeting is to exchange ideas on where we are.”

The long-range goal is to map out a plan that will affirm Quebec’s unique place in Canada without alienating the rest of the country.

Among the proposals is one from New Brunswick to recognize Quebec’s unique language, culture and civil law while affirming the equality of all 10 provinces.

McKenna said any powers that flow to Quebec would be available to other provinces as well.

“We are not here to confer or even consider special status for any province,” he said. “That is not acceptable.”

Premier Glen Clark of British Columbia said he wants the leaders to concentrate on finding a way to give the public a chance to participate in finding a resolution to the Quebec issue.

“I think that working people and the average persons of the country have a lot to offer,” Clark said. “I don’t believe we can re-engage in the failed processes of the past, cutting a deal behind closed doors.”

Any provincial action would require eventual participation by the federal government. Prime Minister Jean Chretien has met privately with the premiers in recent weeks.