8 - Friday, October 18, 1991 - North Shore News

Dialogue on
Canada urged

MP Collins calls for
discussions on unity

CAPILANO-Howe Sound MP Mary Collins is appealing
to North Shore residents to formulate groups and ‘‘ex-
change dialogue on how we can best keep Canada unified

and prosperous.”*

The suggestion follows last
meouth's release of federal con-
stitution} proposals.

The Parliamentary Committee
on National Unity and local MPs
are seeking public input on the
proposals. The committee is due
to report back to the House of
Commons in February.

Said Collins, ‘‘Business associa-
ons, service clubs and chambers
of commerce could sponsor an
evening or set aside some time
from their agendas to participate
amongst their memberships. In-
formal discussion groups could be
formed among friends and
neighbors and dialogue could take
place at the dinner table or a cof-
fee party.”’

Collins said suggestions regard-
ing the constitutional initiatives
could be submitted to her office,
the committee, or Joc Clark,
Minister Responsible for Constitu-
tional Affairs.

Among the highlights of the
federal constitutional proposals:
@a Canada clause describing
what it means to be a Canadian;

@ recognizing. Quebec’s distinct
society in the Canadian Charter of
Rights and Freedoms;

@® a court enforceable right to
aboriginal self-government;

@ aboriginal representation in a
reformed Senate;

@ modification of votes-of-con-
fidence rules to allow for more
free votes in the House of Com-
mons;

@ more time and priority for
private member’s bills;

@ replacement of the Senate by
an elected and more equitable
Senate;

@ a strengthening of the free
movement of people, goods, ser-
vices and capital within Canada;

@ federal immigration and cul-
tural agreements with individual
provinces;

Sy Michael Becker
News Reporter

© confirmation of exclusive pro-
vincial jurisdiction in areas in-
cluding forestry and mining,
tourism and recreation, housing
and municipal affairs;

@no establishment of new
Canada-wide shared cost or con-
ditional programs in areas of ex-
clusive provincial jurisdiction
without the approval of seven
provinces with 50% of the popu-
lation.

Collins believes there is an
urgency to resolve many of the
constitutional issues raised in the
package.

“If we don’t get through this
process by next year and Quebec
has a referendum, it could easily
go for sovereignty association and
we would have a very dramatic
change in Canada. [{'m certainly
of the view that we should be
looking at a restructuring that will
enable the country to remain as a
country.

“The economies of tomorrow
are going to be more international
and more competitive and if we
are going to be in there we have
to ensure that we have a modern
society. The kinds of proposals we
are putting forward | think show
that the division of powers in 1867
may not be appropriate. The
kinds of changes that have taken
place across the country — the
aboriginal issue — nobody talked
about it back then. They (con-
stitutions) are Siving documents
and once we get through this pro-
cess I hope we will be able to put
it aside for another decade,’’ she
added.

To become involved or to
secure a copy of the new constitu-
tional proposals cail Collins’ of-
fice at 666-8686.

- mubrey Schneider
Sleep Expert 444 E, 3rd

*

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QUESTIONS ABOUT THE |
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For more information about
the federal government's proposals for
constitutional reform, call toll-free:

[-800-56/-1188

Deaf or hearing impaired call:
1-800-567-1992 crivtpp)

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