Over the past two years, federal, provincial, territorial and Aboriginal leaders have consulted with thousands of Canadians and concerned groups from coast to coast. These consultations included Royal Commissions, participatory conferences, parliamentary hearings, and hearings in the provinces and territo- ries held by provincial and territorial legislatures. Federal, provincial, territorial and Aboriginal leaders have agreed unanimously on August 28, 1992 in Charlottetown on a package of constitu- tional proposals that recognizes the equality of all Canadians and represents all of our interests. The agreement is now before Canadians.

The agreement proposes that the new Constitution would contain a statement of key economic and social objectives shared by all of the governments:in the federation. The objectives include comprehensive, universal, portable, accessible and publicly administered health care, adequate social services-and benefits, high quality primary and secondary education and reasonable access to post-secondary education, collective bar- gaining rights and a commitment to protecting the environment. The economic policy objec- tives to be entrenched would be aimed at strengthening the Canadian economic union; the free movement of persons, goods, services, and capital; ensuring full employment and a reasonable standard of living for all Canadians; ensuring sustainable and equitable development.

Exclusive provincial jurisdiction would be recognized in the areas of forestry, mining, tourism, housing, recreation, municipal affairs, cultural matters within the province, and labour market development and training. In addition, to ensure the two levels of government work in harmony, the government of Canada commits to negotiating agreements with the provinces in areas such as immigration, regional d2velopment and telecommunications. Federal-provincial agree- ments on any subject could be protected by the Constitution from unilateral change.

The new Canadian Constitution would recognize the distinct nature of Quebec, based on its French language, unique culture and civil law tradition

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THE HIGHLIGHTS

In the reformed Parliament, the Senate would reflect the equality of the provinces while the House of Commons would be based more on the principle of representation by population. As well, various provinces would be assured a minimum amount of seats in the House of Commons.

The proposed Senate would be made up of six elected senators from each province and one from each territory. Additional seats would provide representation for Aboriginal peoples. The reformed Senate's powers should significantly increase the role of the elected Senators in the policy process

The proposals recognize that Aboriginal peoples have an inherent right to self-government and that the Constitution should enable them to develop self-government arrangements and to take their place in the Canadian federation. The proposals recognize Aboriginal governments as one of the three constitutionally recognized orders of government in Canada. In addition, the proposals provide for a negotiation process between Aboriginal leaders and provincial and federal governments to put this right into effect. The recognition of the inherent right would not create any new rights to land, nor dilute existing treaty rights.

Now that Canada’s federal, provincial, territorial and Aboriginal leaders have reached a consensus, it is the right of all Canadians to understand the new proposals. Call the toll-free number below to receive an easy-to-read booklet on the new constitutional agreement or a complete text.

It’s your right to know what the constitutional proposals say, before voting on October 26.

FOR INFORMATION CALL: 1-800-561-1188

Deaf or hearing impaired 1-800-465-7735 1:00

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