Constitutional Accords and National Discord: The Impact of Constitutional Reform on Canadian Unity

Abstract

Two particularly significant efforts have been made to amend the constitution since it was patriated in 1982: the Meech Lake Accord and the Charlottetown Accord. During each process, Canadian leaders acted boldly and decisively to renew Canadian federalism, satisfy the disenfranchised and keep all Canadians happy at once. However, while constitutions are intended to draw people together under a common purpose, this bold action succeeded in nothing but driving Canadians apart. The country was politically fractured into a collection of divided constituencies, and at its culmination the country was almost torn apart forever. Starting with the aftermath of the Constitution Act, 1982, this paper will consider several proposals from the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords respectively. The reasons why each accord failed will be considered in turn, as well as the consequences of that failure [...]