Document Information

Date: 1981-10-01
By: Russell Anthony
Citation: Memorandum from Russell Anthony for Michael Kirby, Provincial Reaction – October 1 (1 October 1981)
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October 1, 1981

MEMORANDUM FOR MR. KIRBY

Provincial Reaction – October 1

LE QUÉBEC
In Quebec, attention is primarily focused on the Liberals. Things are tense. Claude Ryan held another caucus meeting today, but he continues to face resistance from hardliners. These include 10 to 15 members, mostly anglophones but also some francophones, including Messrs. Rocheleau and Gratton.

Based on articles, comments heard on the radio, and direct or telephone conversations, it seems public opinion is shifting rapidly.

Immediately after the Supreme Court decision and until René Lévesque reconvened the Assemblée, people seemed to say: “The Supreme Court decided that Trudeau wasn’t very nice, but he had the right to do it.”

Today, public opinion seems to be forming around the idea that “Trudeau may have the right to do it, but he shouldn’t do it.” I believe this comes from the almost unanimous call to resume dialogue.

However, there is no anticipated uprising; people still prefer to talk about the Expos.

There were no major developments in the other provinces today.

Russell Anthony