“I want to look like I listen to experts. The Clarity Act doesn't apply here. But I still want to say it should be hard to separate.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Justice
A debate where the Bloc accused the Prime Minister of disrespecting democracy by potentially using the Clarity Act to meddle in Alberta's referendum question. The Prime Minister responded that he must respect the Clarity Act and the Supreme Court's decisions, which require a clear majority on a clear question for a referendum to be valid. The Bloc argued a clear majority is 50% plus one vote, the same threshold used to pass laws, and that the Clarity Act has no place in a democracy. The PM replied that the Clarity Act is law and must be obeyed.
“I want to sound like a reasonable statesman. The Supreme Court said a clear majority needs more than just 50 percent plus one. So it would be wrong to separate with such a tiny margin.”
“I want everyone to know that we follow Canada's laws. I will not say anything against the Clarity Act. I think Quebec should be strong and part of Canada.”