The Marxist Quarterly Autumn 1965

THE 34TH ANNUAL  Couchiching Conference, sponsored by the Canadian Institute on Public Affairs in conjunction with the CBC, took as its theme "Concepts of Federalism"; but it soon became apparent that the participants' main concern was future relations between French and English-speaking Canada.

From the first, no matter what specific topic was proposed, those present would start discussing such questions as "what does Quebec really want?", What does the term 'the associate states' mean?", "What is cooperative federalism?", etc.

The viewpoints of those present from French Canada ranked from advocacy of the status quo to the idea of associate states. Outright separatism had no spokesmen at the conference.

The reaction of the English-speaking participants was one of increasing perturbation, confusion and then, for some at any rate, understanding.

A high point in the proceedings was the debating of their respective concepts of federalism by Messrs. Guy Favreau and Daniel Johnson (Leader of the Opposition in Quebec) and by Quebec Education Minister Paul Gerin Lajoie and E. Davie Fulton. Shocking to many delegates was the discovery that the Quebec Liberal Cabinet Minister and Leader of the Opposition were much closer together in their thinking than were the idea of associate states. Outright separatism had no spokesmen at the conference.

The reaction of the English-speaking participants was one of increasing perturbation, confusion and then, for some at any rate, understanding.

A high point in the proceedings was the debating of their respective concepts of federalism by Messrs. Guy Favreau and Daniel Johnson (Leader of the Opposition in Quebec) and by Quebec Education Minister Paul Gerin Lajoie and E. Davie Fulton. Shocking to many delegates was the discovery that the Quebec Liberal Cabinet Minister and Leader of the Opposition were much closer together in their thinking than were the

 

38 THE MARXIST QUARTERLY

former and Mr. Favreau (who of course are both Liberals). The insistence of the two Quebec leaders on the need for fundamental changes helped clarify some questions for English-speaking participants, if not to satisfy them.

Some beginnings were made towards overcoming stereotypes and prejudices. If it did nothing else, the conference brought together 300 people who thoughtfully examined some fundamental questions facing Canada and considered what might be needed to achieve a new basis of relations between the two nations.

.Such discussion is all the more essential, because one cannot but be struck by the failure or unwillingness, up to this time, of federal government leaders to come forward with any coherent solution to the problem. Guy Favreau's contribution to the conference was to extoll "co-operative federalism." Doubtless, such various devices as opting out, and elaborate diplomatic negotiations between the federal and provincial governments, can produce some temporary accomodations (as they have done with respect to the Pension Plan and may do with respect to Medicare). But this approach, which treats Quebec not as the territory of a nation, but merely as one among ten provinces, cannot on any long-term basis meet either the aspirations of French Canada for its own national development, or those of English Canada for a fuller measure of central government cooperation to raise up and equalize health, educational and welfare services.

Forestry Minister Maurice Sauve argued for more French schools, and French radio and television stations in English Canada. Certainly, the problem of the rights of the French minority in English Canada is one to which progressives need to pay a good deal more attention. The need to accord to this minority equivalent rights to those enjoyed by the English minority in French Canada is a part of the solution to the problem of creating a truly bi-national framework for this country. But it is only part, because at the heart of the question is the need to recognize Quebec as the homeland of the French-Canadian nation with the full opportunity for development within a newly constructed confederation.

In a concluding speech, Professor W. L. Morton of the University of Manitoba stated: "The revolution has taken place in French Canada. It must now take place in English Canada. It must be accepted in English Canada that full partnership of French and English-speaking Canada is the necessary basis for the future of our country." While one could not say that even this had been accepted by all those present, there had certainly emerged a new level of dialogue.

P.C.

 

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-- This OCR was prepared by Kathleen Moore in August 2014 for the legal research purposes of Habeas Corpus Canada. --