The Trudeau Era to the Present · Term 4

Constitutional Battles: Meech & Charlottetown

The failed attempts to bring Quebec into the constitutional fold.

About This Topic

The decade following the 1982 patriation was marked by intense and ultimately failed attempts to bring Quebec into the constitutional fold. Prime Minister Brian Mulroney led two major initiatives: the Meech Lake Accord (1987) and the Charlottetown Accord (1992). Both sought to address Quebec's concerns by recognizing it as a 'distinct society' and granting the provinces more power. However, these accords faced significant opposition from various groups, including Indigenous leaders and those who feared the weakening of the federal government.

This topic explores the reasons for the failure of these accords, including the dramatic role of Elijah Harper in the Manitoba legislature and the national referendum that defeated the Charlottetown Accord. Students examine how these failures led to a surge in Quebec nationalism and the near-separation of the province in 1995. This is a critical part of the Ontario curriculum, focusing on the challenges of national unity and the diversity of perspectives on the Canadian federation. This topic benefits from mock referendums and collaborative investigations into the different 'demands' of the era. Students grasp the complexity of these battles faster through peer-led discussions and by analyzing the impact of these failures on Canadian politics.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the specific constitutional and political factors that led to the failure of the Meech Lake Accord.
• Evaluate the significance of Elijah Harper's actions and arguments in the context of Indigenous rights and the Canadian Constitution.
• Compare and contrast the stated goals and outcomes of the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords.
• Predict the likely impact of the constitutional failures of the 1980s and early 1990s on the 1995 Quebec Referendum, citing specific evidence.
• Synthesize information from primary and secondary sources to construct an argument about the challenges of national unity in Canada.

Before You Start

The Constitution Act, 1982

Why: Students need to understand the context of the Constitution Act, 1982, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the concept of patriation, to grasp why further amendments were sought.

Federalism in Canada

Why: A foundational understanding of the division of powers between the federal government and provincial governments is essential for comprehending the debates over provincial powers in the accords.

Indigenous Peoples and Canadian History

Why: Knowledge of the historical relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state, including treaty rights and governance, is necessary to understand Indigenous perspectives on constitutional reform.

Key Vocabulary

Meech Lake Accord	A proposed amendment to the Canadian Constitution in 1987 that aimed to gain Quebec's support for the Constitution Act, 1982. It recognized Quebec as a distinct society and gave provinces more power.
Charlottetown Accord	A 1992 agreement on constitutional reform that sought to address issues including Indigenous self-government, Senate reform, and Quebec's place in Canada. It was defeated in a national referendum.
Distinct Society Clause	A provision in the Meech Lake Accord that recognized Quebec as a 'distinct society' within Canada, a concept that generated significant debate about its meaning and implications.
Elijah Harper	An Indigenous Cree politician from Manitoba who played a crucial role in blocking the Meech Lake Accord by refusing to allow a vote on it in the provincial legislature.
Patriation	The process of transferring constitutional authority from the British Parliament to Canada, culminating in the Constitution Act, 1982. This event set the stage for subsequent constitutional debates.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Meech Lake Standoff

Students act as the different 'players' in the Meech Lake debate, including Brian Mulroney, Clyde Wells (Premier of NL), and Elijah Harper. They must present their arguments for or against the accord, highlighting the conflicting visions of Canada.

⏱ 50 min·Whole Class

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Inquiry Circle: The Charlottetown Referendum

In small groups, students analyze the 'Yes' and 'No' campaign materials from the 1992 referendum. They identify the main fears and hopes of each side and discuss why the accord was ultimately rejected by a majority of Canadians.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: Elijah Harper's 'No'

Students watch the clip of Elijah Harper holding the eagle feather and refusing to allow the Meech Lake Accord to proceed. They discuss with a partner why his action was so significant for Indigenous rights and for the fate of the accord.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

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Real-World Connections

Political scientists and constitutional lawyers continue to analyze the legacy of these failed accords when discussing contemporary debates about federalism, Indigenous rights, and Quebec's place in Canada.

Journalists covering federal-provincial relations or Indigenous affairs often reference the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords to provide historical context for current negotiations and disputes.

Community leaders and activists involved in Indigenous self-government movements draw upon the experiences and outcomes of these constitutional battles to advocate for their rights and recognition.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Quebec was the only reason the accords failed.

What to Teach Instead

While Quebec's status was the central issue, the accords also failed because they didn't address the concerns of Indigenous peoples, women's groups, and smaller provinces. Peer research into the 'many voices of dissent' helps students see the complexity of the national debate.

Common Misconception

The accords were just about 'distinct society.'

What to Teach Instead

They also included major changes to the Senate, the Supreme Court, and the division of powers between the federal and provincial governments. Using a 'Concept Map of the Accords' helps students see the wide range of issues that were on the table.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Facilitate a class debate using the prompt: 'Was the failure of the Meech Lake Accord inevitable, or could different actions by key players have led to its success?' Students should use specific details about the Accord's provisions and the opposition it faced to support their arguments.

Quick Check

Present students with three short, anonymous quotes from individuals involved in the Meech Lake debates (e.g., a federal politician, a Quebec nationalist, an Indigenous leader). Ask students to identify the likely perspective of each speaker and explain their reasoning based on the historical context.

Exit Ticket

On an index card, ask students to write: 1) One specific reason the Meech Lake Accord failed, and 2) One way Elijah Harper's actions influenced the outcome. Collect these to gauge understanding of key causal links.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Meech Lake Accord?

It was a 1987 proposal to amend the constitution to meet Quebec's conditions for signing, including recognizing Quebec as a 'distinct society.' It failed in 1990 when it did not receive the required approval from all provincial legislatures.

Who was Elijah Harper?

He was an Indigenous member of the Manitoba legislature who famously blocked the Meech Lake Accord by refusing his consent. He argued that the accord had been negotiated without the involvement of Indigenous peoples and ignored their rights.

What was the Charlottetown Accord?

It was a 1992 follow-up to Meech Lake that was even more ambitious, addressing Quebec's status, Indigenous self-government, and Senate reform. It was put to a national referendum and was defeated by 54% of voters.

How can active learning help students understand these constitutional battles?

Active learning strategies, such as simulating the debates and investigating the referendum campaigns, help students understand the deep divisions and the high stakes of the era. By engaging with the different perspectives and the reasons for failure, students move beyond seeing the accords as just 'failed deals' to seeing them as a reflection of the ongoing struggle to define Canada. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges of achieving national consensus in a diverse country.