Is Quebec a nation? Boisclair presses Harper
Last Updated: Tuesday, June 20, 2006 | 11:47 AM ET
CBC News
The Parti Québécois wants Prime Minister Stephen Harper to say whether he recognizes Quebec as a nation.
Harper has scheduled a cabinet meeting in Quebec City on Thursday and Friday this week and plans to remain for Fête nationale, Quebec's provincial holiday on Saturday.
- RELATED STORY: Harper coming to Quebec for Fête Nationale
While he's in the province, Harper should make a clear statement on Quebec's place in Canada, Boisclair said on Monday.
"I ask Mr. Harper, while he's here on the Quebec national holiday, if he recognizes the Quebec nation," Boisclair said.
Harper has said the time isn't right to open a constitutional debate about Quebec. He says he prefers to work with Premier Jean Charest.
Boisclair maintains that good relations between the two federalists haven't brought much to Quebec, noting Ottawa hasn't delivered money promised to help fight global warming.
"I'm asking Mr. Harper to ... explain to Quebecers why he doesn't want to support the Charest government in the financing of the 'plan vert' [green plan]," Boisclair said.
June 24 is a provincial holiday seen by many sovereigntists as a political holiday, designed to celebrate Quebec's character and autonomy.
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