I blogged about the PQ's thinly veiled "identity" bill (http://theliberalbag.blogspot.com/2007/10/pq-and-separatist-movement-has-not.html) previously, and now, thankfully and rightfully, Dion and the federal Liberals have entered the debate, to defend the values of the Quiet Revolution and a united, multi-ethnic, democratic Quebec.
"Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion called it a sovereigntist plot to broaden the French-English split and increase the PQ's popularity. He urged Marois to withdraw the bill.
"Thankfully we have a Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms which prevents certain politicians from going off the rails like she has," Dion said."
When people ask, "What do Liberals stand for?" this is a good example to point them towards: Defending democratic rights, making a united Canada work within the framework of the Charter, defending the rights of individual citizens under the law, and committed to the ideals of a just society and multiculturalism.
And what of the Conservatives, who claim to be "putting Canada on the right track?"
Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn turned aside questions on the issue.
"That's their debate," Blackburn said, referring to provincial politicians.
Prime Minister Stephan Harper's office declined to comment.
Shameful. Apparently the Conservative vision for Canada is one of government apathy towards the rights of citizens. Although given the slashing of the Court Challenges Program, the stacking of the independent and trusted judiciary with socially regressive party hacks, and the desire to wantonly abandon all federal government power for the sake of vote buying, it is too be expected. Actions, statements, and views like these are another warning of what Canadians can expect from a Conservative majority.
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All federal parties denounce Quebec immigration bill
October 23, 2007
Alexander Panetta, THE CANADIAN PRESS
''Tory House leader Peter Van Loan said he was pleased to see that the bill had limited support in the Quebec legislature - both the minority Liberal government and the Official Opposition Action democratique du Quebec made it clear Tuesday that they wouldn't support it.
"It's heartening to see this bill's not going to go anywhere," Van Loan said in an interview.
"Every Canadian has democratic rights. And those rights - to vote, to run for office - are fundamental. . . I don't think those rights can be taken away."
Good to see them take a stand on it, although I find it extremely interesting that a Quebec minister and the PMO both refused to answer the question, and they shuffled off a response it to a non-Quebec MP.
She can't withdraw the bill. It was never presented before the Assemblée. The PQ is the third party, and as such, need one of the other parties aproval to table any motions or bills . They did prepare a document and such, but M. Charest has decided that it will not be discussed in the Assemblée.
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