Thursday, June 09, 2005
Meech Lake
I just watched one of the most interesting videos I've ever seen.
It's an interview the great Barbara Frum did with Trudeau in 1987 on the Meech Lake issue.
Even if you don't give a shit about Meech Lake or politics in general or even if you are a monocellular ball of slob you owe it to yourself to watch this video.
It very properly displays the profoundness of one of the country's greatest leaders, and allows him to discuss, philosophically, the nature of Canada. It's great.
Of special interest to me where:
Dan-0 will especially love this.
It's an interview the great Barbara Frum did with Trudeau in 1987 on the Meech Lake issue.
Even if you don't give a shit about Meech Lake or politics in general or even if you are a monocellular ball of slob you owe it to yourself to watch this video.
It very properly displays the profoundness of one of the country's greatest leaders, and allows him to discuss, philosophically, the nature of Canada. It's great.
Of special interest to me where:
- about 15 minutes into the interview, Frum proposes a hypothetical federal child care program, and asks a question something like "Wouldn't every province agree to a proposal like that?" and Trudeau responds with something like "Sure they would accept it, but they would want the money to spend however they want, and Meech lake would give them the power to do that. They could build roads with it or whatever else they think might win them votes in their province - and that's not good for the country, it's only good for that premier."
What's interesting about this part is that THE VERY SAME THING is happening right now almost 20 years later! A national child care program is being shopped around the provinces by Ken Dryden, and some of the provinces are refusing to sign on because they want to spend the money HOW THEY WANT instead of following the Federal Government's guidelines. Luckily, Meech Lake wasn't passed and ol' Kenny has the ability to keep them out of the program if they don't agree to the terms.
- A few moments later on a similar issue he brings up "the poor provinces" - this is a great section.
- I love his ideas about Quebec getting 'special' powers out of this accord. He says that Quebec is distinct. VERY distinct. But no MORE distinct than other places in Canada. The west, The maritimes, the prairies, NF.... you could even go more granular than that if you want. I've felt this issue should be pressed more often. This issue is especially apparent around 28 minutes into the interview.
- The whole bit about where he goes over what's bad about the accord for the judicial system and the senate.
Dan-0 will especially love this.
