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CLAUDE RYAN INDIVIDUAL FREEDOMSRevised Edition LIBERAL VALUES IN CONTEMPORARY QUEBEC IN CONTEMPORARY VALUES LIBERAL IDENTIFICATION WITH QUEBEC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL JUSTICE LIBERAL VALUES IN CONTEMPORARY QUEBEC RESPECT OF CIVIL SOCIETY DEMOCRACY &Claude POLITICS Ryan Preambule by Philippe Couillard TIES TO CANADAForeword by Jean Charest INTERGENERATIONAL EQUITY A historical perspective on the role played by the Quebec Liberal Party in the development of Quebec, PLQ.ORG past and present. Revised Edition INDIVIDUAL FREEDOMS IDENTIFICATION WITH QUEBEC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL JUSTICE LIBERAL VALUES IN CONTEMPORARY QUEBEC RESPECT OF CIVIL SOCIETY DEMOCRACY & POLITICS TIES TO CANADA INTERGENERATIONAL EQUITY Claude Ryan Preambule by Philippe Couillard Foreword by Jean Charest A historical perspective on the role played by the Quebec Liberal Party in the development of Quebec, past and present. CLAUDE RYAN 1925-2004 TABLE OF CONTENTS PREAMBULE 7 FOREWORD 13 INTRODUCTION 19 CHAPTER 1 Liberal Values 23 CHAPTER 2 Individual Freedoms 25 CHAPTER 3 Identification with Quebec 29 CHAPTER 4 Economic Development 35 CHAPTER 5 Social Justice 41 CHAPTER 6 Respect for Civil Society 49 CHAPTER 7 Democracy and Politics 57 CHAPTER 8 Ties to Canada 64 CHAPTER 9 Intergenerational Equity 73 CONCLUSION Enduring Values 82 APPENDIX 86 BIBLIOGRAPHY 88 PREAMBULE he 21st Century is one of tremendous change. The world is literally being transformed before our eyes. Our society is becoming increasingly diversified, digital communications are part of our daily lives and geopolitical events are such Tthat today more than ever, we need one another in order to deal with the many challenges that we face. In this context, political engagement is a powerful means of promoting our vision of the world and of working to make it ever more just, more inclusive and more prosperous. Not only does the Quebec Liberal Party (QLP) have a rich history, but most especially, it has values and principles that have stood the test of time and that set it apart from other political movements. We must continue to share this liberal way of thinking that has built Quebec over nearly the past 150 years. As Claude Ryan demonstrated in his book, this explains how we at the QLP know who we are, where we come from and what our goals are. Claude Ryan writes skilfully here, with a thorough yet human touch, in drawing a portrait of the history of the Quebec Liberal Party, of the political movement at the origin of the QLP, and of the values that set us apart and that have oriented the political action of PHILIPPE COUILLARD 7 LIBERAL VALUES IN CONTEMPORARY QUEBEC the Quebec Liberals over the course of time. This book thus represents what we believe in and what we want for Quebec. Liberal values: a continuing search for balance As was so well explained by Claude Ryan, these values form a whole. There are those who may claim some of them on a We must continue to share piecemeal basis, but it is this liberal way of thinking only when they are taken that has built Quebec together, consistently with over nearly the past 150 one another, that they years. As Claude Ryan define and inspire liberal demonstrated in his book, activists and supporters this explains how we at as well as the men and the QLP know who we are, women of Quebec of where we come from and yesteryear and of today. what our goals are. This set of values constitutes a balance: the balance that is continually sought by means of liberal policies and positions. This is why the modern Liberal Party has never been considered as a party of one idea or of one generation, nor as an ideological party. The Quebec Liberal Party has always defined itself as a pragmatic, broad-based, open and rallying party, firmly positioned at the centre of the political spectrum. This position is the result of its constant concern for balance between the values that it holds so dear. Individual freedoms First of all, there is the priority placed on individual freedoms. The wonderful word that our party carries in its name reflects all the importance that we place on liberty. The history of the QLP is marked by actions taken to enable all people to fulfill their ambitions, regardless of their origins: the right of Quebec women to vote and to run for office, the fight against fascism and obscurantism, support for private enterprise and entrepreneurship and, of course, the adoption of Quebec’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. These are a few examples of what has enabled the Quebec population to emancipate itself on the individual level. 8 PREAMBULE Identifying with Quebec and being part of Canada The Liberal Party has always been able to find a balance between the “I” and the “we” in its political discourse. This is a responsibility that has been taken on by all of our leaders in the defence of the interests of Quebec, of our language and of our culture. This defence has been manifested in many ways over the years: by the will to unite all “French Canadians” behind a single national party under Mercier; by the vigorous protection of our natural resources under Taschereau; by Lesage’s slogan “Maîtres chez nous” (masters in our own home) or by the designation of French as the official language under Bourassa; or through the full exercise of our jurisdiction on the international scene under all the Liberal administrations of the modern era. To us, being Quebecers is our way of being Canadian. Some would like us to divest ourselves of part of our rich heritage. Why would we do so? One thing is certain: we all came from somewhere else to join the First Nations, to begin with, and then the first arrivals. The only difference between us is when we arrived. Hence, no one has a monopoly on attachment to Quebec, to our French language and to our culture that is unique in North America. To us, as Liberals, our heritage, our diversity and our sometimes multiple origins strengthen us. We do not have to choose one among them, because they define everything that we are. We believe that to assert an identity, there is no need to erase, diminish or reject another. The respect of civil society, and political life under the banner of democracy Throughout history, the defence of a nation has sometimes led to tremendous errors and tragedies. This is not the case here. The QLP is aware that the individual is at the basis of society, but that we shape our future together. Our concern for balance has brought us to cherish the respect of civil society and the defence of democracy. Quebec is a land of welcome and of sharing. We are fortunate to live in a democratic system that allows everyone to contribute to public debate. This democracy is inherent, first of all, in our institutions. They are at the core of the functioning of our society and must be preserved and continually modernized. Democracy must also be exercised in the respect of other 9 LIBERAL VALUES IN CONTEMPORARY QUEBEC people’s opinions; in the respect of individuals; in the tone that we use to deal with the issues that bring us together and with those that give rise to debate. Economic development and social justice For the QLP, one does not come without the other. To build a more just and egalitarian society that takes care of its most vulnerable people, we must create an environment conducive to growth, development and the creation of prosperity. This is why liberal governments have originated Quebec’s great economic projects: from the industrialization of our forestry resources to the creation of Hydro-Québec, from the Northern Plan to the Maritime Strategy, not to mention of course the Caisse de dépôt et placement and the development in the Baie-James region. During this time, these same governments have notably created the Ministère de l’Éducation, hospital insurance and health insurance, and instigated the first daycare centres and parental leave. Economic development is therefore the prior condition to the concrete expression of our solidarity – and this solidarity must also be expressed between generations. Intergenerational equity Quebec is a land of This value of intergenerational welcome and of sharing. equity was introduced after the We are fortunate to live publication of Claude Ryan’s in a democratic system book by the young members that allows everyone of the Youth Commission of the to contribute to public Quebec Liberal Party, the most debate. This democracy influential political youth wing is inherent, fi rst of all, in Canada. Created owing to in our institutions. the support of Premier Robert Bourrassa in 1971, the Youth Commission has continued to originate public policies that have marked Quebec, including the Generations Fund. What the young Liberals have been telling us is that actions must be taken with a long- term outlook; that the economic, social and environmental impacts of 10 PREAMBULE decisions must be carefully assessed to ensure that they will be beneficial for us now, but also for the generations to follow. I therefore invite you to discover – or rediscover – this wonderful book entitled Liberal Values in Contemporary Quebec. Liberal values are the foundation upon which our political thought stands. They persevere through time and events and maintain their universal character. Still today, they represent an open, confident, rallying, responsible and positive vision of the Quebec that we have built and that we want to continue to develop. These values represent balance and good sense, and aim toward the common good. We have a duty to remember our origins, but also a responsibility to share these ideas to build a Quebec that is open to the world, more just and more prosperous – a Quebec in our image.