One voice or a cacophony?
		Niagara Falls, Ontario, Tuesday, September 20, 2005 by: Joe Hueglin
		On September 14th the Government of Québec set out its position on international relations in five points.  Should Québec succeed in obtaining its goals when provinces "interests are affected", say as in the soft wood lumber dispute, each province would present its position. All provinces beyond any doubt would expect the same roles in international relations as Québec.
		Rather than one voice speaking for Canada there would be a discordant cacophony as each province stated its position.
		These are the powers all provincial governments will have international relations should Québec achieve its aims:
		Québec must have access to all information and must be involved in helping plan the Canadian position prior to any negotiations. Québec must be a full member of Canadian delegations and must be free to appoint its representatives. Québec must have the right to speak for itself at international forums when matters related to its jurisdictions are discussed. Ottawa must recognize Québec’s right to consent before Canada signs or declares that it is bound by a treaty or agreement. Québec must have the right to present its position at appearances by Canada before the arbitration bodies of international organizations when Québec or its interests are affected.
		We can be assured the Bloc Québecois will be supporting this increase in the powers of the provinces.
		It is to be hoped the Conservative Party and New Democratic Party will speak in favour of the position of the Government, that Canada continue to speak with one voice in foreign affairs.
Quebec Prime Minister Jean Charest, a world leader		Joe Hueglin
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