We should not blur the distinction between international law and politics. My remarks were a simple description of international law and the question of secession is one in which I have considerable expertise. Having testified to Parliament and the Quebec National Assembly on this matter on several occasions, my legal opinions are part of the public record and I stand behind them. In other jurisdictions, a higher standard than 50% plus one has been applied to the issue of independence before recognition has been granted, while the Supreme Court of Canada indicated that there must be a clear majority on a clear question but did not define that term mathematically.

Politically, New Democrats have said that they would accept the 50% plus one standard and I support that position unless and until members indicate otherwise. That is what I told the reporters at Canadian Press.

When Quebecers voted for the NDP they signalled their will to see past these divisive debates and I want to continue building those bridges for a better Canada.

The shore of a lake, deep in the woods of Quebec, was my birthplace and my first classroom. Growing up in the bush, what I knew about life I learned from my parents and thirteen siblings; from the Elders and our small community; from the moose and beaver; the fish and birds; the trees and plants; and the very rock and soil that supported us all.

What I learned above all else was that each of us is connected. I learned that, by virtue of our connection we are interdependent, supporting and supported by each other. And I learned that our mutual reliance – our community – demands that we make the effort to understand and respect each other and the role each of us plays.

Reflecting on these fundamental truths, I find myself deeply concerned about our country, about the direction in which we are headed, and about our leadership. (more…)

I am officially announcing that I support Romeo Saganash in the race to determine who will be the next leader of the NDP.

Jack Layton’s social policies and his determination to lay the foundation for a broad national reconciliation between Quebec and the rest of Canada inspired me to become actively involved in politics with the NDP. “Let’s work together,” as Jack would say.

This same openness and desire to work together to improve the lot of communities while respecting the rights of individuals, peoples and nations also inspired Romeo Saganash’s throughout his career as a politician and activist.

In 2002, Romeo Saganash played a key role in the negotiations that led to the signing of the Paix des Braves agreement between the Government of Quebec and the Grand Council of the Crees. A distinguished lawyer, he also helped negotiate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. (more…)

OTTAWA – Enthusiastic about Roméo Saganash’s announcement to enter the NDP leadership race, MP for Abitibi-Témiscamingue Christine Moore gives her full support for her colleague.

“It was not an easy choice. High quality people are thinking about entering the race and they all deserve a particular attention. Nevertheless, as for me Roméo Saganash distinguishes himself by his experience, his positive leadership, his humanity as well as his capacity to rally Canadians from everywhere”, declared the MP. “From the very beginning of the leadership race, I was hoping that Roméo would be running. Now that he enters the race, I will support him right to the end.”

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