Search

Debates the Yes and No votes among westerners, noting that the Yes side's implication that voting No is unpatriotic has fuelled a long-burning resentment against government in general, and federal and Quebec politics in particular. Westerns regard of Canada as a federation of ten equal provinces; Effects of both the recession and this summer's low-quality grain yield; Deep resentment of Quebec; Questions over native treaty rights; Comments from individuals across the region.

Presents the key components of the Charlottetown accord, an intricate package that would, if approved, overhaul Canada's constitution. The components include, the Canada clause, social and economic union, parliamentary reform, other institutions,spending power, division of powers, aboriginal rights, the amending formula. Included for each is the issue, the agreement and the controversy. INSET: Getting here from there (history of Canada's constitution)..

Contends that as Oct. 26 referendum day approaches, it remains unclear whether Canadians will ever agree on a vision of the country, but it is painfully apparent who and what they oppose. Assault on those who do not share one's own goals; Charlottetown accord faces uphill battle in Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta; Findings of recent Angus Reid Group polls; Disadvantages of Conservatives, Liberals and New Democrats working together; The Yes and No arguments.

Outlines what Canada, at least English Canada, wants for constitutional change. Agreement by nine provincial premiers and federal Constitutional Affairs Minister Joe Clark; An elected Senate; Ending provincial barriers to the movement of goods, people, services and investment capital; Endorsing many concepts that Quebec has traditionally opposed; Objections to any major shift in the intricate package; Radical alterations in Canada's politics. INSET: Canada watch..

Focuses on the eighth annual `Maclean's'/Decima poll which found fully four out of five of those polled said they knew nothing about the government's plan to make sweeping changings in the constitution, while most poll respondents expressed littleconfidence in the country's politicians to come to an agreement on national unity by themselves. Complexity of the constitutional debate; Perceptions of the distinct society clause; Eliminating provincial trade barriers.

After nineteen hours of negotiations in Ottawa, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and the ten provincial premiers hammered out an agreement for bringing Quebec into the Constitution. Five articles discuss the negotiations and agreement, including an article written by Mulroney. A Maclean's poll.

Gives a breakdown of `Maclean's magazine's year-end poll for 1995, with a focus on politics and the constitution of Quebec. Canada's lack of a collective identity; Quebec's desire to be a sovereign state; Typical views of British Columbians; Percentage of Canadians who think the politicians should leave the constitutional question alone for a while.

Discusses the views of former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau on the patriation of the Constitution from Britain. Comparison of Trudeau to Quebec Premier Rene Levesque; Resistance to Constitutional efforts from all but two provinces; Compromises which were reached; Reasons that Quebec felt betrayed by Canada over the passing of the Constitution.

Recounts the political debate between Robert Bourassa and Jacques Parizeau, who have been arguing their separate visions for Quebec since 1970, a debate that has widened to encompass other political causes, from native rights to Senate reform. Unresolved issue of Quebec's relationship to Canada has defined the careers of a whole generation of politicians; Sense among young Quebecers that the current debate is the final cry of an old generation; Despair and fear.

Questions if the current negotiations on constitutional reform in Canada have included too many participants and too many issues. Key officials in Ottawa and provincial capitals increasingly troubled about the enormity of the potential changes, and their possible cost; Unique process which produced the draft proposals; Effects of the failure of Meech Lake on this accord; Some key proposals and their implications for the country; Pivotal coming weeks.

States that while Alberta Member of Parliament (MP) and Constitutional Affairs Minister Joe Clark's reputation for dogged determination and unflagging optimism have become a trademark, decisions this week of the eighth multilateral session on constitutional renewal may determine whether Clark will go down in history as the nation's savior. Quebec will not be represented; Fight over Senate reform; Making peace with the native groups; Obstacles. INSET: Canada watch..

Presents an essay by Carl Mollins concerning the current constitutional debate and the timeliness of the report from the eight-day conference of federal and provincial ministers in 1927 that plunged Canada into 65 years of intermittent wrangling. The pilgrimage to a modern constitution; Detours and disappointment; Diverted by debate; Burdened by tedium; First Nations; Constitutional referendum. INSET: Voices from the front lines, by J. Laing, D. Crawford, et al....

Outlines Ottawa's new, far-reaching package of constitutional reform which stands in stark contrast to the Conservative government's previous effort to amend the Constitution. Key elements: the distinct society clause, economic union, senate and the council of the federation, native rights, charter of rights, Canada clause, division of powers. INSET: `We want your support,' by N. Wood..

Summarizes the work of minister of constitutional affairs and engineer-in-chief Joe Clark to radically overhaul the constitutional foundations of Canada. Guarded optimism over the 59-page constitutional proposal; Avoiding the fate of the Meech accords; Ensuring that proposals can be passed into law with the agreement of any seven provinces; Mixed reaction across the country; Concessions. INSET: `A betrayal of aboriginals,' by G. Allen..

Discusses the 37-member Commission on the Political and Constitutional Future of Quebec, which began public hearings in Quebec City on November 6. The panel is also known as the Belanger-Campeau commission. March 28 report deadline; Divergence of views; Survey on Quebec public opinion. INSET: Commissioners of destiny (lists key members of the commission)..

An interview with Wab Kinew, university vice-president and musician, is presented. He talks about heading a First Nations organization; and his ambition to combat poverty and change Canada's Constitution. He discusses his voting for the elections; and racism faced by him in Canadian. He highlights that social condition of the Indigenous people in Canada.

The article presents an interview with Phillipe Couillard, Premier of Quebec and leader of the Quebec Liberal Party. Questions which Couillard discussed include his relationship with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, his hopes of signing the constitution of Canada, and the reason for his government's decision to cut program spending.

This article reports on Michaëlle Jean, the exiting Governor General of Canada. The article discusses Jean's tenure from 2005 to 2010 and events during it related to the war in Afghanistan, the earthquake in Haiti, and the constitutional crisis in Canada. Information is also provided on partisan politics.

The article discusses politics in Iraq, in light of a national referendum to adopt the constitution. The Iraqis had mere months to write their constitution--in the midst of a bloody insurgency in which some lawmakers were gunned down for their efforts. With such an accelerated schedule, pessimists predict Iraq's civil war may come sooner rather than later. Spanning 25 pages in its English translation, the Iraqi constitution is at first glance a standard-issue democratic document that aims to guarantee what those who overthrew Saddam Hussein wished for the country. Individual rights are protected, political power is divided, and the judiciary enjoys independence. Examined more closely, though, the constitution is clearly the result of a divisive process in which Iraq's Kurdish, Shia and Sunni factions each pressed its own interests, and which resulted in a document that devolves so much power to the regions that some doubt Iraq can remain unified. One provision in particular could contribute to a fracturing of the country along ethnic and sectarian lines. Overwhelmingly opposed by the minority Sunni Arabs, who make up 20 per cent of Iraq's 23- million-strong population, it allows the 18 provinces to combine into powerful self-governing regions--reflecting the ambitions of autonomy-seeking Kurds in Iraq's north and the majority Shia population in the south. Those areas are the main oil producing regions, while the Sunnis, who ruled Iraq for generations, are concentrated in the oil-poor middle of the country. And there's the problem: the constitution is vague on who will control future oil development. Moreover, the constitution assigns to the regions any authority not clearly granted to Baghdad, leaving only defence and foreign affairs as explicitly federal issues, while education, health, infrastructure and even customs are to be shared.

This is a reprint of the article "Behind Closed Doors," by Brian Mulroney that appeared in the June 15, 1987 issue of "Maclean's." Prime Minister Brian Mulroney was asked to write this account of the marathon bargaining session that led to the June 3, 1987, Meech Lake constitutional agreement. We met for almost 20 consecutive hours, from mid-morning of one day to the dawn of the next. We were 11 Canadians, from diverse backgrounds, from different political parties and different regions of Canada. Around that oval table, in the fourth-floor boardroom of the Langevin Block, all the partners of Canada were trying to finalize a new deal for Canada. We were trying to accommodate Quebec's agenda and that of the other regions, within the national interest, and in a manner consistent with the responsibilities of the national government. People were getting pretty tired, but I had made it quite clear that we were going to go on until we either got an agreement, or didn't. But we still had to finalize the spending power, and that proved to be a tough one, too. Resolving the issue of Quebec's signature on our Constitution was one of the reasons I went into public life four years ago, and why some people, at considerable personal sacrifice, agreed to come to Ottawa with me. Since 1982, we have been witnessing the slow but measurable emergence of two Canadas -- one representing those who had accepted the Constitution, and the other those who had not.

Discusses the vote against the constitution of the European Union in France and the Netherlands. Reasons that these countries voted the way they did; Description of the constitution; Concerns about admitting Turkey into the European Union; Economic reform in Europe.

This article reports on the state of Europe and how several countries have voted against adopting the constitution of the European Union (EU). As political leaders from Helsinki to Madrid were still reeling last week from the decisive rejection of a European constitution by French voters, the coup de grace to the creation of a "United States of Europe" was for all intents and purposes delivered three days later by voters in the Netherlands, who demonstrated even greater disdain for the creation of a European superstate. The back-to-back referendum losses almost certainly spell the end of the EU constitution, an uninspiring 67,725 words of legalese that would have established new powers for the European Parliament and created an elected, fixed-term European president and foreign minister. Although the upset has left Europe in disarray, it is not yet a full–fledged crisis. The EU will continue to function under the 2001 Treaty of Nice, designed for its then-membership of 15 countries. However, there now appears no way forward for the newer, expanded EU membership of 25 countries to manage its affairs. And plans for further expansion by eventually welcoming Turkey into Europe—as the first EU member to be entirely Muslim—could be in jeopardy. More worrisome still, the political calamity exposes two deep divisions in Europe. The first is the so-called "democratic deficit" between governors and the governed: the lack of political will to address issues of concern to the masses, such as the economy and immigration. The resulting battle will be nothing less than a fight for the heart of Europe.

Profiles Frances Wright, named to `Maclean's' 2001 Honour Roll of Canadians who made a difference. Wright's national campaign to celebrate the Famous 5, early feminists from Alberta who fought to have Canadian women constitutionally recognized for the first time as `persons'; Background information on Wright; Wright's position as the president and chief executive officer of the non-profit Famous 5 Foundation.

Presents comments from some prominent Canadians on their positions for the Oct. 26 referendum. Voters on the Yes side include John Polanyi, Dan Aykroyd and Jim Gray; On the No side, W.P. Kinsella, Sharon Pollock and Jacques Godin. Comments are included on the country's current turmoil from Eric Lindros, Antonine Maillet, Tomy Kane, Alex Trebek, Alex Colville, Michael Ignatieff, Tantoo Cardinal, Margaret Atwood, Robert Macneil and Lorne Michaels.

Presents some consequences that are likely to occur if the No vote wins on the Oct. 26 referendum on the Charlottetown accord. The operative economic word remains `uncertainty,' although analysts assert a sovereign Quebec is the least likely outcome of a No vote; Estimates that the three federal parties in Ottawa would be threatened with paralysis; Death of the Charlottetown accord would preserve the constitutional, if not political, status quo.

Presents a guide to some changes that might occur should the Yes side win on the Oct. 26 referendum on the Charlottetown agreement. Projections that 2.5 million new jobs would be created, and that average national income for a family of four would increase by $41,000 by the end of the decade; Short-term setback for those politicians who voted No; Extensive reworking of federal institutions; Eventual self-government for natives; Change in constitutional deliberations.

Surveys the latest constitutional proposals which had been agreed upon by the premiers of nine provinces and Constitutional Affairs Minister Joe Clark, and praised by Quebec's Premier Robert Bourassa. Hope that the agreement needed only minor modifications before winning acceptance from all provinces; Avalanche of opposition from Quebec's political elite; Public cabinet rift and stormy cabinet meeting; Risks in calling a first ministers' meeting. INSET: Canada watch..

States that Ottawa's likely response to a continued constitutional stalemate will be the presentation of a unilateral, and different, constitutional package for the House of Commons by as early as July 15. Elements of the package Ottawa is considering; Constitutional stalemate might suit the government of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney; Public's desire to end the constitutional ordeal; Echoes of past troubles; Isolating Clyde Wells.

Suggests that a myriad of politicians, constitutional lawyers, bureaucrats, native leaders and members of special interest groups have apparently turned their backs on the simple but sound principles of the British North America Act. Resolving the constitutional crisis quickly and with a minimum of upheaval; Proposals for Senate reform; Constitutional reform process as a hostage of special interest groups; Endless questions, no clear answers.

Reveals that Ottawa officials spent last weekend preparing a report for Prime Minister Brian Mulroney on a constitutional deal that, despite repeated delays, will satisfy all of the premiers, including Quebec's Robert Bourassa. Although Quebec officials are boycotting the current round of discussions, senior liberals are following the talks with interest and concern. Comments from Quebec leaders; Party infighting. INSET: Canada watch..

Presents the joint recommendations of `Maclean's' forum, a group of 12 Canadians, which were directed to specific individuals: MP Dorothy Dobbie and Senator Gerald Beaudoin, co-leaders of the parliamentary committee on constitutional reform. The joint recommendations include distinct society: endorsement of the government's proposal to recognize Quebec as a distinct society; First nations: rights of aboriginal peoples; Senate reform; Other constitutional provisions.

Discusses the apparent breakdown in communication between Joe Clark and Ovide Mercredi, newly elected national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, over the participation of native Canadians as `equals' with the provinces in the negotiation of a new constitution. Widespread public support for settling native problems; Meeting of nine provincial premiers in Whistler, B.C.; James Bay hydroelectric project; Quebec as a critical focus of native concerns.

Former prime minister Pierre Trudeau has denounced the Meech Lake constitutional accord which would bring Quebec into the Constitution. Liberal Party leader John Turner has accepted the accord. Divisions in the Liberal Party; Difficulties finalizing the accord; Trudeau's reasons for attacking the accord; Prime Minister Brian Mulroney's reaction.

The debate has begun over the Constitutional breakthrough at the Meech Lake conference of provincial premiers which enables Quebec to sign the Constitution. Critics cite Quebec's `distinct society' status and provincial rights concerning spending powers as possible sources of future problems that may weaken Canada's federal government. Prime Minister Brian Mulroney is defending the accord. Provincial veto over changes to federal institutions.

The article presents world news briefs. Former prime minister Jean Chrétien returned home following emergency brain surgery at Montreal's Jewish General Hospital. The 2010 floods in Pakistan are some of the worst in the country's history, affecting nearly 13.8 million people. Voters in Kenya ratified a constitution as part of a peace deal to end inter-ethnic violence.

In this article the author discusses the European Union in 2007, the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the organization. He notes the widespread criticism leveled at the union. The author praises the European Union, noting its single market and unit of currency. He describes Angela Merkel's plan to institute a less comprehensive constitution and criticizes the initiative, claiming that the union needs a well defined charter.

This article comments on the Canadian Constitution. The Canadian Constitution is bullshit. What distinguishes bullshit from lying is that while the liar knows the truth but seeks to mislead, the bullshitter is not even in the truth-telling game. Exhibit A is the uproar over Paul Martin's mid-election debate pledge, apparently dreamt up on the spot, to amend the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to prevent Ottawa from ever using the notwithstanding clause. Pundits quickly choked up over whether the government did or did not have the unilateral power to do so, but the real problem is the extent to which the Canadian Constitution is now little more than a palimpsest for brain cramps from opportunistic or panic-stricken politicians.

Presents an interview with Vaira Vike-Freiberga, president of Latvia. Her thoughts on Europe and how it can move forward after France and the Netherlands voted against the European Union constitution; Efforts to work with Russia, who apologized for the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states; How Moscow is affecting the policies of its neighbor states.

This article comments on the French and how they voted against the proposed constitution by the European Union. On May 29, 55 per cent of French voters rejected Europe's proposed new constitution, which aimed to streamline the administration of a European Union that has swollen to 25 members. For the moment, let's ignore the effect of these votes on Europe and concentrate instead on what that No says about France. The temptation is to see this referendum as France's Charlottetown moment, when much of the electorate refused to eat what their political elites were feeding them. The nation's political discourse has been built on a suspicion of outsiders and a rejection of a few basic rules of economics and social justice. "Ultimately what the French voted against was change," said Timothy B. Smith, an associate professor of history at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. "It's just a nation that's afraid of change. There are just too many comfortable people who are afraid that Europe might threaten their comforts." Smith has written a smashing new book called France in Crisis: Welfare, Inequality and Globalization since 1980. Smith has lived in France, loves it dearly, and wishes it would change. I have no confidence in the ability or willingness of France's new prime minister, Dominique de Villepin, to address what's hobbling his great nation. But I know where he could turn for help. Smith's book will be published in French translation at the end of the year.

Reports on the anniversary of the patriation of the Canadian Constitution and the enshrinement in it of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Role of Prime Minister Jean Chrétien in the negotiations which ended the governance of Canada by the British North America Act; Way that Quebec was left out of Constitution negotiations.

Focuses on debates in the Canadian Senate regarding the secession of Quebec from the rest of the country. Discussion on the fate of Prime Minister Jean Chretien's Bill C-20, which is seen to legitimise Canada's breakup; Contention of certain Liberal senators that their party give it's leader the power to separate the country; Ramifications of the fact that Canada's constitution doesn't specifically state that the country is indivisible.

Reports that Canadian Senator Philippe Deane Gigantes plans to argue that the Canadian Constitution has actually been in use since 594 BC. Gigantes' claims that the underpinnings of the Constitution harken back to the 10 tribes of Athens, a group he compares to MPs from Canada's 10 provinces.

States that in Phnom Penh, Norodom Sihanouk reclaimed the Cambodian throne he abdicated nearly four decades ago and was sworn in as king. Sihanouk signed into law a new constitution officially proclaiming war-ravaged Cambodia a democratic and constitutional monarchy.

States that according to a Carleton University study, the latest round of constitutional talks and the Oct. 26, 1992, referendum cost Canadian taxpayers at least $288 million. Other findings of the annual Carleton review.

Contends that the biggest miscalculation by the Charlottetown accord's architects was that the referendum's outcome would swing on the substance of its provisions. Instead the No forces tapped into underground rivers of prejudice, racism and loathing of the political process that polluted the debate, and determined its results. Insurmountable problem of having to win across the board; The timetable; Former prime minister Pierre Trudeau's massive intervention.

Speculates on the resounding silence from Canadian Liberal Leader Jean Chretien and Audrey McLaughlin of the New Democratic Party (NDP) on the issue of the constitution, and suggests that since they do not know how to articulate a strategy with regard to the issue, their strategy has been to say nothing at all of any consequence. Both leaders effectively shut out of the constitutional deliberations; Warming up for the upcoming elections.

Says that with the exception of a small minority of committed nationalists, most of the Quebec Liberal party's 40-member executive committee seem pleased with the results of the constitutional deal emerging from Ottawa. Fear of public reaction to the latest constitutional proposals; Prospects of Don Getty and Clyde Wells of selling the new formula to their electorates without losing face; Challenges ahead for Quebec Premier Robert Bourassa.

Suggests that spending $600,000 on a statue of Canada's constitutional head of state when the country can't agree on a constitution itself smacks of insensitivity in the timing department. Sculpted by Jack Harman and his son Stephen of Roberts Creek, B.C., the Parliament Hill statue will depict the Queen riding a horse named Centennial. Other statues on Parliament Hill; The 1970 castration of Queen Victoria's lion behind a canvas screen.

Notes opposition MPs have vowed to fight a government bill to establish the mechanism for a national referendum on constitutional reform because it permits unlimited campaign spending. Saskatchewan Premier Roy Romanow warned a referendum could widen the rift between Quebec and the rest of Canada. Comments from former Parti Quebecois premier Pierre-Marc Johnson; Poll on the acceptance of a revised constitution.

Outlines proposals from NDP Leader Audrey McLaughlin on how a social charter could be enshrined in Canada's Constitution by expanding it to embrace six national goals. Includes full employment and fair working conditions, universal health care, quality education, a clean environment, a basic level of income and a right to food, clothing and shelter.