Former Prime Minister of Canada, Jean Chretien, took the stand yesterday at the Gomery inquiry, investigating the alleged Sponsorship Scandal wherein potentially hundreds of millions of government dollars were funneled to Liberal-friendly advertising agencies in Quebec during the 1990s for little or no work.
I was quite impressed with his opening statement. His skill as a politician is very evident in those words, making me wish that he had been as eloquent in person as he appears to be in writing. (Assuming he wrote that statement himself.) Regardless if his innate ability, Mr. Chretien sometimes came across as a bit of a boor as the political leader of this country.
Mr. Chretien's testimony continued through the rest of the day, where he also poked fun at Gomery for previously criticising the distribution of golf balls with Chretien's signature.
I have maintained a passing interest in the scandal since it became front page news. Being an idealist myself (tempered with pragmatism), I can share the sentiment expressed by Mr. Chretien that the initiative to inculcate increased levels federalist sentiment in the residents of Quebec was worth the investment, even in light of certain costly mistakes.
Jacques Parizeau's barely-failed 1994 attempt at separation by referendum is the closest this country has come to dissolution probably since the FLQ crisis. In light of that, almost any effort to maintain Canada's unity is worth the price. Though in my opinion, it should be price without excessive concession. A very fine line, that.
Keeping Quebec in Canada is worth it. I mean, our best skiers and speed-skaters have to come from somewhere!
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