Document Information

Date: 1981-10-02
By: Walter Zyla
Citation: Memorandum from Walter Zyla for Michael Kirby, Provincial Reaction/Constitution – October 2 (2 October 1981).
Other formats: Click here to view the original document (PDF).

October 2, 1981

MEMORANDUM FOR MR. KIRBY

Provincial Reaction/Constitution – October 2

Main developments today involve Premiers Bennett, Hatfield, Blakeney, and, of course, the vote of Quebec’s National Assembly.

B.C. (Bennett)
After meeting Lyon today, Bennett refused to comment on PM’s statement that the Charter would not be dropped: “It would serve no purpose to respond to statements made some thousands of miles away.”

The B.C. Premier noted that the PM had second thoughts in Melbourne about “unilateralism,” which he considers the main threat to bargaining. While no compromises were outlined, Bennett re-emphasized the need for conciliatory attitudes on both sides.

Regarding the Charter, Bennett stated after meeting Lyon, “Premier Lyon is the greatest nation-builder I know … the Supreme Court has said Lyon was right, and thank God for Premier Lyon.”

New Brunswick
After a two-hour lunch meeting with Premier Bennett in Fredericton, Premier Hatfield indicated that his position on the constitutional matter remained unchanged. While he would attend a First Ministers’ Conference, he was not enthusiastic about it and would definitely not join a conference with the eight dissenting Premiers.

Hatfield reaffirmed his support for patriation, a Charter of Rights with guarantees for French and English language rights, and equalization. He emphasized the importance of the Charter of Rights, stating he fought hard for it and would not abandon it without meaningful exchange. He revealed he had spoken to Mr. Chrétien and was assured the Charter would not be bargained away, though changes were not ruled out.

Despite his firm stance, Hatfield hinted at openness to negotiation, acknowledging that the Supreme Court decision “imposes a need for a greater sense of compromise” and committing to respect Parliament’s final decision on the matter.

Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is puzzled by the Prime Minister’s recent comments, which are interpreted as aggressive following the Court’s decision. Premier Blakeney believes the decision should prevent unilateral action and encourage negotiations.

Saskatchewan would likely propose patriation with an amendment formula as a starting point but may settle for including the Charter in exchange for an amendment formula similar to the April proposal by the eight provinces.

At a press conference, Premiers Bennett and Blakeney emphasized the urgency of addressing constitutional issues to focus on economic matters. They stressed the importance of renewed and immediate negotiations and suggested starting with a consensus on patriation and an amendment formula.

Both Premiers downplayed the Quebec National Assembly’s resolution, viewing it as a call for negotiations.

Le Québec
L’Assemblée nationale a pris le vote:

• Pour : 111
• Contre : 9

N’ont pas voté :

• Jacques Parizeau (retenu à Ottawa)
• Le président de l’Assemblée

Ont voté contre :

• Michel Gratton
• Lucien Caron
• Joan Dougherty
• John O’Gallagher
• John Ciaccia
• Cosmo Maciocia
• Clifford Lincoln
• Richard French
• Bill Cusano

À la sortie de l’Assemblée, Claude Ryan a dit que des mesures disciplinaires seraient prises dans les semaines à venir, mais il a ajouté qu’il faudrait voir à cela cas par cas, en tenant compte des régions que représentent les députés et de leur adhésion à toutes les autres politiques du parti. Il a dit qu’on avait grandement exagéré les divisions qui existent dans son parti.

Liaison : Walter Zyla