Quebec Votes Yes-An alternative event timeline to the 1995 Referendum

[Pragmatic Conservative]

In reflection of 20 years since the Quebec Referendum on Separatism. This will be a timeline that will follow a victory by the yes vote
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Breaking News Quebec Voters vote 50.8%-49.2% to seek Independence 

"Here you have it folks an historic day in Canada and perhaps the beginning of a new chapter in Canadian history. I do want to caution everyone at home though, it is unclear if and under what circumstance Quebec would become an independent Nation" CBC News Reporter

The Speeches
Daniel Johnson Jr-Chair of the No Committee, Quebec Liberal Leader, Leader of the Official Opposition in Quebec Assembly, and MNA for Vaudreuil 
     

First I would like to congratulate the Yes Side for their hard fought victory,  the People my friends have spoken for something other then the status qua. I do not myself intemperate this as a mandate to become a sovereign  nation, but instead a message that a new relationship needs to be established with this great province and Canada so together we can create a stronger and more united country then before. I feel the moment is come for a  fresh voice to take the lead, so at this moment I would like to announce my plans to resign as leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, I will stay on as an MNA   thank you for the opportunity to  allow me to serve this great province.

Mario Dumont- ADQ Leader, MNA for Rivière-du-Loup
 

My Friends, we sent a strong message Quebecois want change. Today they have spoken for greater autoimmunity, and as Daniel Johnson stated  we need a new relationship with Canada, whether be as Sovereign allies, or Quebec growing to become an even larger integral part of Canada.  My friend lets not panic about what the future holds, but instead embrace what will become an even stronger future. Tonight we are not Conservatives, or Liberals, Nationalists or Federalists, were all Quebecois. Tonight we stand for a common goal, and a common culture. This brings me to my next point, tonight I am resigning as leader of the ADQ,  and will join the PQ, while I may have disagreements with the PQ on certain policies, I share agreement on the same core principal values that make this province great. my friends it is time to be united as a province, and be inclusive to each of are fellow Quebecois. Mercie


 Lucien Bouchard, BQ leader, Leader of the Official Opposition, MP for Lac-Saint-Jean

     Good Evening my friends, tonight Quebecois spoke for change, and tonight it is just the beginning of this generational change. We stood up for are province, are spot in this great nation and this great province of ours. Change my friends will not be overnight, and will involve some difficult choices, but my friends we will be stronger more united Province after this. Tonight I would like to say I am proud to be a Quebecois, and proud to be a strong Representative. I would to Say the BLOC will remain a strong voice for Quebecois, ensuring Quebecois get the change they voted for. Mercie


Jacques Parizeau- PQ Leader, Premier of Quebec, MNA for L'Assomption.
             

My Freinds, My Friends. Tonight we did it we stood up for change, and advocated are right to self determination and Independence my friends.  Tonight more then ever we came together to fight for our culture, our rights, and our right for Self Determination. Independence will take time my friends, However we will start on track to reaching that goal today.   Independence will not mean we turn are back on Canada, but instead I would like to establish a new Economic and Social partnership that will benefit all Quebecois Tonight the battle may be won, but are ultimate goal of Independence has not been reached  but we will continue to go after are goal of Independence. Mercie My Freinds     

[Pragmatic Conservative]

Speeches Continued
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Jean Chrétien,Canadian PM, leader of the Liberal Party, Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice


My Fellow Canadians, tonight like many of you are I am disappointed. Like more then ever we need national unity, to create a stronger Canada. However as PM of Canada I am prepared to negotiate for constitutional changes  with Quebec, but under no circumstance will I negotiate Independence with Quebec, until a clear question on independence with a clear majority is reached. Until this happens I will not recognize Quebec as a Sovereign Nation, In the coming days,I will unveil more plans going forward.

Preston Manning-Reform party Leader,  Calgary Southwest MP
   
Tonight I would like to say While I am Disappointed, with tonight result. I would like to state my full recognition of the results. Tonight more then over we need to show are full cooperation, with Quebec in negotiations. I am calling for PM Jean Chretien to call another election to secure another mandate in awake of tonight results.

Alexa McDonough- NDP Leader, MP for Halifax
 
Good Evening, my friends, while I am disappointed with the results we need to recognize these results as this referendum was done as an exercise in democracy. I am calling Jean Chretien to negotiate in good faith with Quebec, to ensure a strong economic and social partnership can be established

Jean Charest, PC Leader, MP for Sherbrooke
         
Tonight as we reflect over these disappointing results, we fellow Canadians need to remain as united as ever in these turbulent times. While I disagree with  my fellow party leaders on various issues, I would like to take this opportunity to work together with them to create a stronger Canada.

[VPH]

I like this

[Pragmatic Conservative]

October 31st 1995.
Canadians awake after the historic vote, to a new reality Quebec voting for Sovereignty. Even when it appears their is a clear divide between yes and no. It is not this simple. On the Yes Side, both Dumont and Bouchard appear ready to settle with greater autoimmunity for Quebec, only using the threat of Independence as a bargaining tool. While Parizeau dose not want to settle for anything less then outright  independence.

Meanwhile on the Federalist side, their is an even greater divide, between the main parties involved. Chrétien has taken the bold move of taking an outright refusal of negotiating with Quebec over Independence. All other main  Federal leaders  support negotiating with Quebec over Independence. while Chretien enjoys a large majority, he may not be as safe as he thinks, with Manning calling for another election, will Liberals strand behind Chretien, or opt for a new leader.

While on the Provincial level, other provinces are plotting their next moves, with Saskatchewan, even considering Independence too.

 This Timeline will discuss the Events that follow this historic vote.

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   October 31st 1995 10am est - Quebec City- Jacques Parizeau announces the National Assembly  will be recalled tomorrow with  the speech  from the throne, and on Thursday the government  will begin the process of passage of an bill that will formally recognize the referendum results, as well as giving power to the Quebec Government power to negotiate Independence with Canada, and unilateral declaration of independence with Canada, if no agreement is reached by October 30th 1996.

October 31st 1995 11:30 am est-Ottawa  Jean Chretien holds press conference, calling for the recall of parliament For November 6th 1995, reiterates his stance he will not under the current circumstance negotiate independence with Quebec. In the coming days Chretien states he wants to create a Coalition Cabinet with the Opposition Parties, as well as passing a bill that will clarify rules Surronding surrounding future Independence Referendums.

October 31st 1995 2:30 Pm est-Calgary- Preston Manning states Chretien has no power to set rules around provincial referendums, will introduce non-confidence motion against Liberal Goverment when Parliament returns.

October 31st 1995 5PM EST-Ottawa- Jean Charest and Alexa McDonough, hold a joint press conference, welcoming a National Unity Cabinet, while stating that they are both prepared to work with the Liberal Government, as long as Chretien respects the results of the referendum.              

[DavidB.]

I like this

[Pragmatic Conservative]

The Days that Follow
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November 1st Quebec City
 
Speech from the throne
Expert
"My Fellow members, we are gathered here today to formally recognize the results of this historic referendum that Quebecois have passed. In this session this government will propose legislation that will grant the Government of Quebec the power to negotiate Independence with Canada, which was passed by the people of Quebec."     

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November 1st- Saskatchewan NDP Cabinet Meeting:

Premier Romanow-We all know why we are, here. Today we are here to discuss, what the next steps are with Quebec's Independence

Chief of Staff Topp-I say we take a wait and see approach, form a Western Unity Coalition,  with BC, AB, MB, NWT, and the Yukon. If it looks like this situation is getting out of control we act,

Romanow-Are the other provinces interested?

Topp-They would be mighty interested if we get Alberta on board.

Unnamed cabinet Minister- We have to act quickly, so if their is an emergency we can mobilize, and take action

Romanow-I will meet with the other Western Premiers, and we will meet  back.

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November 2end 11:30am est-Ottawa -Chretien announces a national unity Cabinet will be sworn in tomorrow.



Nov.2 2PM est- Fredericton NB , NB Premier Frank McKenna holds a press conference
 Good afternoon, today I am announcing my Resignation as Premier of NB and MLA of  Miramichi-Bay du Vin. I have served this great province for 8 fantastic years, however it is time now for a new voice to step up and take the lead in this great province. While I set out to serve for 10 years, I feel now s the time to step aside, and move on to the next step in the next stage of my life. Thank you for allowing me to allow me to lead your province. 

 

[Pragmatic Conservative]

November 3rd 1995- Reidue Hall Ottawa, 8am

A national Unity Cabinet will be sworn in today, Much Speculation on who will be in it has been made in the last few days. Frank McKenna is expected to be named to the cabinet as well as Jean Charest, and Alexa McDonough.

These are some of the significant appointments for Cabinet:
Prime Minister-Jean Chrétien(L)
Deputy Prime Minister of Canada-Frank McKenna (L)
Minister of Agriculture- Ralph Goodale (L)
Minister of the Environment-Jean Charest(PC)
Minister of Foreign Affairs-Joe Clark (PC)
Minister of Canadian Heritage-Sheila Copps(L)
Minister of Finance-Paul Martin(L)
Minister of Health-David Charles Dingwall(L)
Minister of Human Resources Development-Alexa McDonough (NDP)
Minister of Labour-Audrey McLaughlin (NDP)
Attorney General of Canada-Anne McLellan(L)
Minister of National Defence- David Michael Collenette (L)
Minister of Transport-Douglas Young(L)

The Majority of Cabinet Ministers were Liberal, with 2 PC and NDP members being included in Cabinet. The Reform Party and BQ was shut out of Cabinet.


The Biggest Surprise Former PM Joe Clark being named Foreign  Affairs Minister.

Reform leader Preston Manning denounced the Cabinet as mostly ignoring the west, as well as stating Chretien had lost his mandate to govern after the passage of the Sovergny  Referendum.   

[Pragmatic Conservative]

Continued
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November 3rd 1995-With the unity Cabinet put in place. For the first time since twenties, Canada will have a true coalition Government. 
Parliament Standings
National Unity-Liberals, PC and NDP-187
BQ- 54 Seats
Reform-52 Seats
Independent-2
Vacant-1
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November 3rd-Pierrette Ringuette-Maltais, Liberal MP for Madawaska—Victoria, Steps down to allow Deputy PM Frank McKenna, a seat in Parliment, as part of the Unity Coalition agreement the NDP and PC's agree to support one candidate between the three parties.  This creates the second Vacancy in Canadian Parliament.

Meanwhile PC Saint John MP Elsie Wayne steps down to allow the Opportunity for Foreign Affairs Minister Joe Clark gain a seat in Parliament. 

[KingSweden]

Neat! I'll be paying attention to this for sure. The Morning After is one of the more interesting history books I've read in a long time.

[Pragmatic Conservative]

November 4th 1995-Quebec Independence Meeting
 

Premier Parizeau- Good morning everyone, so far we have introduced legislation that will recognize the referendum results, and allow us to negotiate Independence with Canada, and after one year we will be able to declare Independence if no Independence agreement  is not reached (Bill 2). So my friends what is our negotiating strategy with Canada   

MNA Dumont- We need to strongly consider Constitutional changes, look it we barley won this Independence Referendum, and if we actually become a sovereign nation we could easily loose half our population. Chretien said it himself he will not negotiate independence. I say we cut are losses and negotiate greater autoimmunity.

MP Bouchard- I agree, Constitutional changes is the safer rout. However I must caution, we can not take Independence off the table, because if Canada makes few changes, then are only option might be for us to declare sovereignty.

 Premier Parizeau- We need to seek Independence. After years of giving in it is time for us to do what the people of Quebec want, and that is to negotiate independence

  MP Bouchard- I am not saying no to Independence, I am saying we may be able to accomplish all  are goals, by giving Canada one last chance and negotiate constitutional changes.

   

[Pragmatic Conservative]

November 4th
            



Saskatchewan Premier Roy Romanow meets with Alberta Premier Ralph Klein

Romanow- We are both strong Progressive provinces and in the wake of the Quebec referendum I would like to start a western unity  coalition, so we can if necessary take further action.

Klein-Are the other Provinces on board?, because if we can get all the western Provinces and NWT/Yukon, we could potentially create a  Successful nation together. However you want Alberta's advice you will need to pay are price?

Romanow- Look it if we can form a partnership, I know the others will jump on board, if we can get a partnership deal complete between the two of us. Besides even if we do not separate by forming a block we would ensure that we get some constitutional changes that favor us.     

Klein-I like the sound of this, but if you want a deal, you have to pay are price.

Romanow- What is your price?

Klein-Here is are Price: -we have a  Balanced Budget Amendment in the Constitution.
-Alberta gets 50% of all oil revenues from Alberta
-Alberta has control over what oil Pipelines are built
-We do not introduce Environmental Standards that will kill the oil industry


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After intense Negotiating Alberta  and Saskatchewan agree to join into a  Western Unity  agreement with each other

Two days later Manitoba joined on, By November 9th all parties signed on agreeing to the deal.
The major portion of the deal was stated as below.
-A maximum 3.5 Billion Dollar Deficit is allowed 
 -Only limited Greenhouse Gas Emotion Reduction targets will be introduced
-40% of oil revenues go to Alberta, 10% go to the Yukon and the NWT.  13.3% go to BC, MB and SK.
-The same percentages are used for each provinces Resources.
(40%  of a provinces recourse go to that provinces, 13.3% go to the other provinces, 10% go to the Territories.) 


 

[Pragmatic Conservative]

Nov 5th
A new poll came out today, the first since the Referendum

National- Quebec Excluded
National Unity 72%
Reform 25%
Other 3%

Quebec
BQ-50%
National Unity-40%
Reform-8%
Other 2%

Nation-Quebec Excluded(No National unity)

Liberal 32%
NDP 25%
Reform 25%
PC 15%
Other 3%

Quebec(No National Unity)
BQ 50%
PC 25%
Liberal 12%
Reform 8%
NDP 3%
Other 2%

Who would make the Best PM-Rest of Canada
Jean Chrétien-30%
Jean Charest-25%
Alexa McDonough 20%
Preston Manning 15%
None of the Above 10% 

Who would make the Best PM-Quebec
Lucien Bouchard-50%
Jean Charest-35%
Jean Chrétien-10%
Alexa McDonough 4%
Preston Manning 1%

Jean Chretien AR
Rest of Canada
Approve 47%
Disapprove 40%
Undecided 13%

Quebec
Approval 30%
Disapproval 60%
Undecided 10%

Jean Charest AR
Approve 45%
Disapprove 40%
Undecided 15%

Quebec
Approve 55%
Disapprove 30%
Undecided 15%

Who should lead the Liberal Party
Rest of Canada
Jean Chretien 40%
Paul Martin 35%
Frank McKenna 25%

Quebec
Paul Martin 50%
Frank McKenna 30%
Jean Chretien  20%

[Pragmatic Conservative]

November 6th


Resuming of the first Session of the 35th Parliament

Two bills were tabled today

1Private Members Bill by Reform Leader Preston Manning-This Bill was a Non-Confidence Motion against the Federal government

1 Government Bill- Titled the Clarity Act-Set Strict Rules around Independence Referendums

This bill stated that in future Independence Referendums the following  conditions have to be met.  

1. A clear straight forward question must be proposed for Independence

2. A clear majority for Independence  must be established  

3. If both conditions are met then Independence may be negotiated with Canada


  

[Pragmatic Conservative]

November 6th
5pm EST

Jacques Parizeau holds Press Conference, where he denounces The Clarity Act, calls it Undemocratic and another intrusion of provinces rights.  Parizeau further states if The Clarity act passes, Quebec would sue the Federal government over this  bill, if Quebec was unable to get sovereignty from Canada over this issue.

November 7th
6 PM EST

PRB 1 (motion of non Confidence against the government ) is defeated  on Second reading

186-NAY
106 YAY

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

This is extremely interesting, please keep up the awesome work!

[🦀🎂🦀🎂]

How would First Natioms respond in this timeline?

[Pragmatic Conservative]

I will continue with this timeline
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November  8th
Poll

Do you approve of the clarity Act-Canada Quebec excluded
Yes 71%
No 29%


Do you approve of the clarity Act- Quebec
No 68%
Yes 32%

Does Jean Chretien have a mandate to govern-Canada Quebec excluded
Yes 74%
No-26%


Does Jean Chretien have a mandate to govern-Quebec  
No-53%
Yes-47%


Nov 9th
Breaking News-Quebec passes bill recognizing results of the Referendum  [/font]

The Quebec National Assembly passed a bill recognizing the results of the Referendum. Jacques Parizeau will hold a press conference tomorrow upon Quebec Lieutenant Governor  Martial Asselin granting this bill Royal Assent.

[Harry Hayfield]

Could I ask for reaction from the following overseas organisations?
Scottish National Party (Leader: Alex Salmond MP)
Plaid Cymru (Leader: Dafydd Wigley MP)
Republican Left of Catalonia (Leader: Àngel Colom contesting election in November 1995)
ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna) (Leader: Josu Urrutikoetxea )

[Pragmatic Conservative]

How would First Natioms respond in this timeline?

I will have an update on the First Nations People when I bring up the Constitutional Negotiation.  However for the most part they would be unhappy with the results and would want to take a wait and see approach with how the aftermath of the responses go.

[Pragmatic Conservative]

Could I ask for reaction from the following overseas organisations?
Scottish National Party (Leader: Alex Salmond MP)
Plaid Cymru (Leader: Dafydd Wigley MP)
Republican Left of Catalonia (Leader: Àngel Colom contesting election in November 1995)
ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna) (Leader: Josu Urrutikoetxea )

All these parties  congratulate Quebec Nationalists on their victory, wishing them luck in negotiations with Canadian Government.

[Pragmatic Conservative]

November 10th 11am Quebec City
Quebec Lieutenant Governor  Martial Asselin grants royal assent to a bill  that recognizes the results of the referendum, giving the Quebec Government power to negotiate Sovereignty  with Canada

Nov 10th 11:30 am Quebec City

Jacques Parizeau  holds a press conference stating that Quebec would entertain Constitutional Changes, but only if Canada made several concessions.  Parizeau reiterates his stance if Canada does not take negotiations serious or if they are unwilling to move in their Constitutional Changes, then Quebec is fully prepared to Separate from Canada.

Nov 10th 1:00 PM Ottawa Ontario
Jean Chretien in response to  Parizeau 's earlier press conference that he is happy Parizeau  is open to Constitutional Changes.  However Chretien  states any deal must benefit all Canadians. Chretien  also reiterates his stance he will under no circumstance negotiate  Sovereignty  with Quebec or recognize Quebec Independence until a clear Question and clear result is established in a Referendum.

[Pragmatic Conservative]

Nov 10th 5:00 PM Toronto Ontario

Ontario Premier Mike Harris stated that he is open to Negotiating Constitutional changes with Quebec. Harris emphasized the need for not just unity but a solution that would benefit Ontario and  all Canadians. Harris stated he would support a Balanced Budget Amendment, as well as greater Autoimmunity for Quebec, however would reject any deal that increases the size of the senate, or guaranteeing provinces a certain amount of Senate Seats.

Nov. 12th 2:00 PM

Roy Romanow revealed his western Coalition with Alberta, BC, Manitoba and the Two Territories. Romanow stated while he welcomes Constitutional Changes, the Western Provinces will only except a deal that will give some benefits to the west. Among a deal to better allocate natural Resources. Romanow stated the West wants some reform to deal with the Senate.   

[Pragmatic Conservative]

Nov 12th Ottawa Ontario 11am
Jean Chretien drops the writ for three  By-Elections scheduled for January 2end 1996  in Saint John Madawaska—Victoria, and  Humber—St. Barbe—Baie Vertethis is so Foreign Affairs Minister Joe Clark, and  Deputy PM Frank McKenna will have an opportunity to win a seat in Parliament.

 

November 13th  1995
Breaking: Liberal Party will hold Emergency Leadership Meeting on November 21st Ahead of Constitutional Negotiations with Quebec, the Liberal party will hold a meeting concerning, the leadership of  Jean Chretien.

November 14th 1995
Aboriginal Leaders today are asking the Federal Government for more Autoimmunity, stressing that if Quebec is granted more  Autoimmunity then they should be able to as well. Aboriginal Leaders want much of what was in the Charlottetown Accord.

[Pragmatic Conservative]

November 14th 5:00 PM
Today the First meeting between Canada and Quebec was scheduled for November 18th, many pundits feel both sides are far apart but stress a deal is still possible

November 17th 1:00 PM
 
On the eve of Constitutional meetings between Quebec and Canada, Preston manning stated his hope that the West could gain significant concessions. Manning did not directly discuss the upcoming Liberal meeting on November 21st.