Building the Future : A Time for Reconciliation

As everyone has observed over the past year, Quebecers are divided on the question of accommodation and a number of related topics. There appears to be general agreement solely in respect of the promotion of French and equality between women and men. As for secularism, which everyone proclaims or demands, it proves to be highly controversial as soon as an attempt is made to clarify the terms of the desired regime. As we have also observed, emotion has entered the picture, creating tensions that we must now resolve. This is the key objective that we set for ourselves. Having discussed at great length what separates us, it is now time to explore the other facet of what we are and what we can become. This other facet comprises deep-seated values, the aspirations that we share and that we would like to express in policy directions, programs and unifying projects. Having clearly specified our differences, let us now examine what unites us. Let us turn to this other facet, which is vast and promising. We cannot overemphasize what our consultations have revealed, beyond wellknown hitches, i.e. openness to the Other. The vast majority of the briefs submitted and the testimony heard confirm this point. Both in the regions and in Montréal, we observed a wealth of good faith and willingness. This is the foundation on which we must rely to pursue the edification of an integrated Québec that respects its diversity. The time has come for reconciliation. This is the meaning of this report, inspired by a search for balance and fairness, in a spirit of compromise. The task has not been an easy one. We often had to carefully chart a course between contradictory positions or between competing values and ideals but we constantly sought to clarify the terms of the debate. Throughout this undertaking, the serious responsibility placed on us was uppermost in our minds, given the hopes and expectations that our commission aroused.