25 years ago, a simple ‘no’ – Winnipeg Free Press

The beginning of the end of Brian Mulroney’s high-stakes effort to induce Quebec to sign the Canadian constitution began in the coffee shop of a downtown Winnipeg hotel.

Time was running out for the ratification of the Meech Lake Accord. Manitoba had yet to pass resolutions in the legislature to approve it and Newfoundland had just rescinded its approval.

Time was also running out for those who were opposed to it, which included Canada’s aboriginal people.

They found it repugnant Meech would entrench the notion of Canada as having been the creation of two founding nations — English and French — while disregarding aboriginal people. Meech also would have strengthened provincial powers, placing First Nations in a weaker position since their treaties were with the Crown.

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