As long as Quebec remains part of Canada, the government must respect the basic principle whereby the provinces' constitutional jurisdiction also applies abroad. Clearly, the flag war is on again, and the federal government as well as the Prime Minister must both assume full responsibility for the situation. It is a day as all days to listen to children, to respect them and to marvel at all they have to offer. As 1994 marks the International Year of the Family this is also a day to honour the important role of the family in children's lives. Families are the place where nurturing and respect shape young lives, where identity, culture and values are passed from one generation to the next.
Families are truly the cornerstone of society.
They equip children with the tools they need to become caring responsible citizens. For all this we owe the families of our country a great deal from children to grandparents. Let us not forget that grandparents can offer the unconditional love and understanding our children and grandchildren need. Let us act now to create a better and brighter future for all children because they are our country's most valuable resource and because children matter. Unfortunately Riel has been portrayed as either a traitor or a madman.