Department of Justice

THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA FILES ITS FACTUM
ON REFERENCE TO THE SUPREME COURT OF CANADA

OTTAWA, February 28, 1997 -- The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Allan Rock, today filed the Government of Canada's factum in connection with the reference to the Supreme Court of questions relating to Quebec's unilateral secession. The arguments set out in the factum are based on a review of Canadian constitutional law and international law. Those arguments are also supported by the conclusions of two international experts: James Crawford, professor of international law at Cambridge University, and Luzius Wildhaber, professor of international, constitutional and comparative law at the University of Basel (Switzerland).

On September 26, 1996, the Attorney General of Canada announced the reference of three questions to the Supreme Court. The Government of Canada had until February 28, 1997, to file its written arguments, the second stage of the process. Those arguments will be heard during hearings to be scheduled by the Court.

The Minister of Justice noted that requesting an opinion from Canada's highest court is a step which shows profound respect for Canadian democracy. «The important issues at the core of the debate must be clarified. The Government of Canada is committed to respecting the Court's opinion,» he stated.

Refs.:   Jennifer Lang        Mary Dawson
         Minister's Office    Department of Justice
         (613) 992-4621       (613) 957-4898

         Warren Newman
         Department of Justice
         (613) 952-8091