As I wrote earlier, I am no longer particularly exercised by Ignatieff's position on this issue, because I think in itself its alot of ambiguous mush. However, the resolution to be considered at the Libs' December convention, which would make the recognition of Quebec as a "Nation" party policy--even if this recognition is to be merely symbolic--is far more dangerous, for reasons Andrew Coyne explains in his Post column here:
Of the nastiness that is about to ensue we have already had a foretaste. Watching Mr. Ignatieff's supporters shouting down Stephane Dion at the weekend leaders' debate in Montreal, it was impossible not to be taken back to another such occasion, in the same city, nearly a generation ago.
Then, it was Paul Martin's supporters, chanting "vendu" at Jean Chretien for his unwillingness to endorse the Meech Lake Accord. Now it is Mr. Ignatieff's, Mr. Dion having shown the same reluctance to constitutionalize "national" status for the province.
If it were only a matter of the Liberal party devouring itself -- again -- that would be one thing. But, as in the past, the worst damage is likely to be to the country. Already there are warnings from editorialists and senior Liberals in Quebec that the resolution must pass at the convention, or risk "affronting" Quebec. And, should the federal Liberals be bullied into submission, we may expect the same ultimatum to be delivered to the country.
It looks like the Libs are setting themselves up for Meech II in order to buy a few Quebec votes in 2007. But pander now, pay later! It would be endlessly ironic if it were Liberals who crashed the nation in a doomed attempt to settle its constitutional issues.
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