The Referendum Papers : Essays on Secession and National Unity

The Razor-Thin Outcome of the October 1995 Referendum in Quebec was a jarring wake-up call for English Canada, forcing Canadians outside Quebec to confront the unthinkable.

This collection of papers by leading academics and analysts offers the most thorough examination yet of the main issues arising for the country out of the October referendum.

It considers not only what might be done to help the country survive, but what should be done if it doesn't.The book is divided into two parts, the first focussing on ways to improve the social, political, and economic union of Canada.

The second confronts head-on the possibility of Quebec separation and discusses the terms and processes of Quebec's possible departure.As the recent Supreme Court decision made clear, the time for reasoned negotiation with a soon-to-be-independent Quebec may come.

Although committed to keeping the country together, all the contributors to this volume share a commitment to democracy and the peaceful resolution of conflict.

The individual papers go beyond analysis to provide a clear set of proposals for action and change.Originally commissioned by the C.D.

Howe Institute, the papers provide the first real blueprint for 'thinking about the unthinkable.' As such, this collection will be of great interest to anyone concerned about the future of Canada, and the future of Quebec.