Quebec legislature members denounce Carney’s comments on Clarity Act
The National Assembly unanimously backed Bill 99, saying Quebec’s future can be decided by 50% plus one of valid votes.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney said this week that a 50 per cent plus one vote does not constitute a clear majority under Canada's Clarity Act, prompting immediate condemnation from legislators across four Quebec political parties on May 27.
- The dispute traces to 2000, when Ottawa passed the Clarity Act empowering Parliament to judge referendum majority clarity, while Quebec countered with Bill 99 setting a fixed 50 per cent plus one standard; the Parti Québécois has promised a referendum by 2030 if it forms government this fall.
- Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette declared 'the Quebec legal framework that applies, period,' while International Relations Minister Christopher Skeete opposed federal interference, and Liberal Leader Charles Milliard affirmed 'Law 99 is very clear: it's 50 per cent plus one.'
- Cabinet ministers publicly split on referendum positions, with Culture Minister Mathieu Lacombe saying Tuesday he would vote yes to leaving Canada and Labour Minister Jean Boulet likely backing the No camp, as Premier Frêchette stated Quebecers do not want to revisit constitutional debates.
- Sovereigntist groups are mobilizing across party lines ahead of a potential 2030 vote; Québec solidaire's Guillaume Cliche-Rivard stated 'We'll take everyone we can get on the Yes side,' while internal tensions surface within the federalist Coalition Avenir Québec over pro-sovereignty members.
33 Articles
33 Articles
Is 50% plus 1 enough? Talk of referendums in Quebec and Alberta reignites old debate
With the idea of independence on the front burner in Alberta and ahead of the fall election here in Quebec, there's still disagreement over what constitutes a clear majority in any potential independence vote. Prime Minister Mark Carney has firmly taken a side, however.
The Toronto Star
Quebec legislature members denounce Carney’s comments on Clarity Act
QUÉBEC - Quebec legislature members are coming together to denounce the prime minister's comment suggesting that a simple majority isn't enough for a province to separate from Canada.
Winnipeg Free Press
Quebec legislature members denounce Carney's comments on Clarity Act
QUÉBEC - Quebec legislature members are coming together to denounce the prime minister's comment suggesting that a simple majority isn't enough for a province to separate from Canada.
Alberta Fact Check: Mark Carney’s Liberals are unclear on the Clarity Act
Subhead:Carney continues to face backlash over his comments about a potential referendum on separation in Alberta.# During one of his rare appearances for Question Period in the House of Commons, Prime Minister Mark Carney was pressed by Bloc Québécois House Leader Christine Normandin when she stated “A clear majority is 50 per cent of the votes plus one. The prime minister knows this; all his laws are passed by 50 per cent plus one. His major…
Mark Carney did not have to "dictate to Quebecers how to decide on their future," said Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette. The remarks of the Canadian Prime Minister on the Clarity Act were denounced in unison on Wednesday in Quebec City.
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