La reconnaissance du Québec comme société distincte et la dualité linguistique du Canada : conséquences juridiques et constitutionnelles
Year:
1988
Author :
Volume and number:
, 14
Journal:
, Canadian Public Policy / Analyse de Politiques
Pages :
, S43-S62
Abstract
L'auteur tente d'élucider la signification des concepts de 'dualité' et de 'société distincte,' en retraçant leur développement historique et en examinant leurs éléments constitutifs. Il en conclut que, si la reconnaissance de la dualité vise à protéger les minorités de langues officielles, la protection et la promotion du caractère distinct du Québec ont pour objet le maintien et le développement du caractère francophone de la société québécoise. L'auteur examine ensuite l'impact éventuel de l'Accord constitutionnel de 1987 sur le partage des compétences législatives et sur la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés. A son avis, le partage des compétences ne subira aucune modification; par contre, la reconnaissance de la dualité et du caractère distinct du Québec permettra peut-être de limiter la portée potentiellement centralisatrice et uniformisatrice de la Charte. Concernant les droits linguistiques que celle-ci garantit, les tribunaux pourront -- s'ils le désirent -- s'appuyer sur la reconnaissance de la dualité pour leur donner une interprétation plus large que jusqu'à présent.
The author presents an historical account of the notions of 'duality' and 'distinct society' and considers their meaning by analysing their essential elements. He argues that if the drafters of the 1987 Constitutional Accord have recognized duality in order to protect the official language minorities, the purpose of the clause dealing with the protection and promotion of Quebec's distinct society is to maintain and develop its Francophone character. The Accord's potential impact on the division of legislative powers and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is also examined. In the author's opinion, the division of powers will not be modified; however, the recognition of duality and of Quebec as a distinct society may limit the potentially centralizing effects of the Charter. On the other hand, by relying on the duality clause, the courts will be able -- should they so desire -- to give the Charter's language guarantees a more generous construction than they have until now been accorded.
The author presents an historical account of the notions of 'duality' and 'distinct society' and considers their meaning by analysing their essential elements. He argues that if the drafters of the 1987 Constitutional Accord have recognized duality in order to protect the official language minorities, the purpose of the clause dealing with the protection and promotion of Quebec's distinct society is to maintain and develop its Francophone character. The Accord's potential impact on the division of legislative powers and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is also examined. In the author's opinion, the division of powers will not be modified; however, the recognition of duality and of Quebec as a distinct society may limit the potentially centralizing effects of the Charter. On the other hand, by relying on the duality clause, the courts will be able -- should they so desire -- to give the Charter's language guarantees a more generous construction than they have until now been accorded.
Theme :
CanadaRightJusticeQuebec
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