What the grassroots and the electors seek above all is adversarial politics that accepts differences that do not belittle or diminish.
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The traditional ceremonies and honours which marked the passing of former prime minister Brian Mulroney were richly deserved. They concluded with the very moving funeral service at Notre-Dame Basilica. Once again, our stately and historical city rose to the occasion with its subtle touch of class and dignity.
The eulogies added to a just tribute to the former prime minister’s signal achievements during his tenure: his role as environmental precursor and international leader in the global initiative on climate change and biodiversity protection; his decisive intervention in the fight against acid rain; his pioneering of our principal environmental statutes; the implementation of NAFTA and of free trade with the U.S. and Mexico; and the adoption of the GST.
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And perhaps his most important achievement: his key role in blessing the world with the freedom and exemplary wisdom of Nelson Mandela, which will continue to inspire future generations.
On a personal note, I was Quebec’s environment minister when we instituted the St. Lawrence Commission, presided by the eminent Camille Dagenais. One of its main recommendations was the creation of a comprehensive long-term cleanup plan of our hallowed river. This would require a major contribution from the federal government. For quite a while I negotiated with my federal counterpart, but in vain. I understand it was Mulroney’s intervention that made the federal grant possible.
We obtained a fund of $100 million over five years, and Mulroney decided to attend the launch of the program at the Port of Montreal. Started in 1988, the St. Lawrence Action Plan has endured over time, with the federal participation renewed every five years.
Besides, again thanks to the intervention of Mulroney, a grant of $10 million was added toward the creation of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. It took a whole decade for the jurisdictional discussions to be completed between Quebec and the federal government, but since June 1998 the marine park is a treasured reality, and a testimonial to Canada-Quebec co-operation.
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Tributes from both notables and the grassroots have been continuous and widespread. I have been struck by the large number of them which have highlighted not the political achievements, impressive as they have been, but the human quality and the caring touch, that dimension of heart and understanding of the other, without which successes lose their true meaning.
Indeed, Caroline Mulroney’s beautiful and emotional tribute to her father highlighted his human side, the deep love for family, the memory of his humble beginnings, his attachment to his Irish roots, and that keen sense of humour present until the very end.
She also brought up his love of both Quebec and Canada. No doubt it was his profound feeling that this dual attachment was not only compatible but complementary that gave him the courage to dare, where others may have chosen to conveniently skirt the political risk. Although they failed, in good part because of the formidable complexity of our Constitution’s amending provisions, the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords should be seen as valiant and imaginative attempts at national reconciliation.
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A friend remarked to me how encouraging it was to hear a common positive message of appreciation and recognition, while the epithets and word games which too often afflict our political and social discourse were set aside. In that vein, it was uplifting to see political leaders of opposing ideologies and parties sharing the limelight not in competition or confrontation, but in a mutual tribute.
It is no doubt illusory to hope that this climate of political civility and positive acceptance of the other may endure. Yet how refreshing to witness such a climate of genuine co-operation and understanding. If only those leaders and politicians who practise the negative would realize that what the grassroots and the electors seek above all is adversarial politics that accepts differences that do not belittle or diminish.
On the contrary, regard and respect for the other elevate and empower, and this was the lesson of the recent tributes to Mulroney.
Clifford Lincoln resigned from the Quebec cabinet in 1988 over the use of the notwithstanding clause in Bill 178. He later served as a federal MP. He lives in Baie-D’Urfé.
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