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Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of International Trade in the Chrétien cabinet,
could be said to exemplify discretion, diplomacy and composure. The former Chief of
Staff to ex-Québec leader Claude Ryan, who has seen his influence and responsibilities
grow by leaps and bounds since his arrival in the Nation's Capital in 1995, is not known
for making hasty pronouncements. He prefers to lead his life, as well as manage the softwood
lumber dispute with the United States, with poise and serenity.
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Thus, how can one explain that such a strategist was unable to resist making the following
statement to the National Post, last April 22, and be unaware of how damaging such a
declaration could be, "We are at the end of an era -- an era dominated by the question of
separation and Quebec independence… It is clear that the PQ is in free fall and I don't
think there is anything that can stop that… Bernard Landry is really doing very poorly,
but I don't think even another leader could change that." It must be said that these remarks were uttered on the night of the PQ's triple defeat in last month's by-elections. In a way, they are understandable since a number of federalists have been waiting impatiently for the tide to turn and never felt closer to victory in 40 years. Why should we consider comments such as these as harmful to the federalist camp and why must we deny our politicians a chance to gloat for a change? Essentially for two reasons. Firstly, our colleagues who prematurely declare victory over the secessionists give Canadians the false impression that there is no urgency to act, that there is no need for the Federation to evolve. Such declarations, even from non-politicians, only delay the constitutional changes and the recognition Quebecers and French Canadians require to live comfortably within our country. This is a high price to pay for a few seconds of glee before the television cameras. But there is a second reason, which should encourage our elected representatives to hold their tongues. When one insults or belittles a struggling adversary, that adversary can sometimes become an inspired and revitalized foe. It is a well known fact that coaches encourage their teams to listen to or read their rivals' declarations. Recently, our women's hockey team in Salt Lake City found enormous strength after being told that the American women had bad-mouthed them and desecrated the Maple Leaf. As a team, they had vainly tried to beat the US women for many months, but on that day they were rock solid, refusing to bow under pressure. Do we want to hand the PQ an opportunity to rise instead of keeping it on the ropes? It is always a great feeling to triumph over an opponent, and perhaps even more of a thrill to be able to verbally declare victory. But if this momentary thrill creates a sense of false security in the rest of Canada and revives Quebec nationalists' fervour, what will we have gained? On April 22, Mr. Pettigrew failed to seize an opportunity -- that of remaining quiet. Let's hope this faux pas will not be repeated. |
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