Document Information

Date: 1982-02-15
By: René Lévesque
Citation: Letter from René Lévesque to Right Hon. Francis Pym (15 February 1982).
Other formats: Click here to view the original document (PDF).
Note: This document is discussed in an article that has been recently submitted to a peer-review journal.

For the Personal Information of Mr. Haggan Only

Gouvernement du Quebec

Le Premier ministre

February 15th 1982.

The Right Honourable Francis Pym Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
House of Commons
London, SWlA OAA
GREAT BRITAIN

Dear Mr. Pym,

The Government of Quebec respectfully requests that the Members of the United Kingdom House of Commons take cognizance of our formal opposition to the adoption of the Canada Bill now before Parliament.

As indicated in my recent letter to the Right Honourable Prime Minister, both Quebec’s National Assembly, by resolution, and out Government, by order-in-council, expressed Quebec’s opposition to the Canadian federal resolution prior to its final adoption by the Parliament of Canada. This failure to respect Quebec’s traditional veto right with regard to fundamental constitutional changes is now before Canada’s highest courts for adjudication.

It is our view that it would be highly improper for the United Kingdom Parliament to act in the matter until the conclusion of the legal proceedings now in progression. Such action would be contrary to constitutional tradition.

We submit that there exists no urgency which would warrant precipitate action on the part of the United Kingdom Parliament. However, should the Honourable Members wish to proceed with the enactment at this time, we respectfully suggest the incorporation of an amendment in the Canada Bill which would ensure that this law would come into effect only insofar as it is compatible with Canadian constitutional conventions.

[Page 2]

May I request that this letter be tabled in the House at the time of the second reading of the Canada Bill.

On behalf of the Government of Quebec, allow me to extend to you my kindest regards.

Yours sincerely,

René Lévesque