Calgary Declaration a First Step: Nova Scotia

The Calgary Declaration is a positive first step towards resolving Canada's unity problems, the province's Select Committee on National Unity has concluded after hearing the views of nearly 400 Nova Scotians over the past two months.

Support for the declaration outnumbered opposition by about two to one. And today, the all-party committee tabled its report and submitted a resolution that endorses the Calgary Declaration on behalf of Nova Scotians.

The committee recommends one change to the declaration. Its resolution calls for deletion of the words gift of' from point 4 of the seven-point declaration.

"Representatives of the aboriginal community expressed concern that the phrase gift of diversity' was not an accurate reflection of their place in the foundation of Canada," said committee chair Eleanor Norrie. "Members of the select committee agree with them, and the resolution we have put forward for consideration reflects that change."

Other members of the all-party committee were Bob Carruthers (vice-chair), Paul MacEwan, Ron Russell, Ernie Fage and John Holm. Lila O'Connor was the government's alternate member.

The committee heard 136 presentations at 10 public hearings across the province. Nova Scotians made another 249 submissions by telephone, e-mail, fax and postal service.

"Committee members were impressed by the number of Nova Scotians who took the time to respond to our request to take part in the unity dialogue," said Mrs. Norrie. "Their submissions were thoughtful, sincere, well-researched -- and invaluable to our work on this committee."

She said the committee's report attempts to reflect the different views members heard as they travelled across the province. The committee noted a common thread ran through the diversity of ideas and concerns expressed: a renewed commitment to keep Canada united.

"Many Nova Scotians said they believe the Calgary Declaration is a positive first step in meeting Canada's national unity challenge, and the committee agrees," said Mrs. Norrie. "We believe our report is a clear signal to Quebec and the rest of Canada of our determination -- Nova Scotia's determination -- to keep this country together."

Copies of the report are available at the Nova Scotia Government Bookstore, 1 Government Place, Granville Level, 1700 Granville St., Halifax; phone 1-800-526-6575 or 902-424-7580. The text of the report is also on the Internet at Nova Scotia's unity website, http://www.gov.ns.ca/legi/unite/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Members of the media can obtain a copy of the report at Communications Nova Scotia, 1 Government Place, Granville Level, 1700 Granville St., Halifax.

AU CHEF DES NOUVELLES: Ce communique est egalement disponible en francais; c. elec. [email protected]