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Charting the Future: Canada's New Constitution
It was a hard-fought coming of age for Canada. From the 1960s through the early 1980s, Canadian politicians argued fiercely at the constitutional bargaining table over the balance of provincial and federal power. In the end, Canada gained a Charter of Rights and Freedoms and a homemade Constitution. But it would not be without its costs as the question of Quebec's status in Canada loomed larger than ever. For a history from Confederation to the Fulton-Favreau agreement, please consult "Canada's Constitutional Debate: What Makes a Nation."		Educational activities about Charting the Future: Canada's New Constitution

	Constitutional showdown		The Victoria Formula		A Time for Action
	Pierre Trudeau and Daniel Johnson face off at the 1968 federal-provincial conference. (TV; runs 13:16)		Robert Bourassa's government rejects the Victoria Formula and brings constitutional talks to a stalemate. (Radio; runs 10:50)		Prime Minister Trudeau vows to bring the Constitution home on his own terms. (TV; runs 10:35)

	The 1980 Quebec Referendum		The Chrétien-Romanow Show		The Gang of Eight
	"We have all lost a little in this referendum," says a concerned Prime Minister Trudeau. (TV; runs 3:18)		"It's a hard business saving Canada," says Saskatchewan's attorney general Roy Romanow. (Radio; runs 10:25)		Eight premiers band together and offer the federalists a compromise. (TV; runs 3:59)

	An uncertain victory		The Kitchen Accord		Constitutional Shortcomings
	All sides claim victory when the Supreme Court rules on unilateral patriation. (Radio; runs 15:46)		After three days and three nights of negotiating, a backroom deal is struck – without Quebec. (TV; runs 27:56)		Problems persist with the Constitution Act: "Quebec stands alone" and a pesky notwithstanding clause weakens the Charter. (TV; runs 5:19)

	Proclamation of the Constitution		Amending the Constitution		The Constitution and Charter re-evaluated
	"The constitution of Canada has finally come home," announces Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. (TV; runs 20:20)		Canada addresses and enshrines the issue of Aboriginal rights. (TV; runs 5:36)		Canada celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Constitution and the Charter. (TV; runs 1:55)

LINKS Topic from Les Archives de Radio-Canada on the same subject Le rapatriement de la Constitution sème la zizanie Related Topics from CBC's Archives Canada's Constitutional Debate: What Makes a Nation? Jean Chrétien: From pool hall to Parliament Hill René Lévesque's Separatist Fight Robert Bourassa: Political Survivor Trudeaumania: A Swinger for Prime Minister CBC.ca CBC.ca: 20 Years of the Constitution and the Charter Canada: A People's History: The Night of the Long Knives External sites Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Canada's Portal: Constitution Constitutional Acts: 1867 - 1982 Intergovernmental Affairs: The Constitutional File and the Unity File The CBC assumes no responsibility for the content of external links.

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