2.The consequences and dangers, if this process begins, are so important that we must examine them in advance and have a contingency plan. Moreover, since this plan will of necessity involve all Canadians, all of us must talk about it. 3.Common sense, and the experience of other countries, tells us that the odds of Canada breaking up will be considerably increased by the election of a separatist government. Refusing to do advance thinking can lead to serious mistakes. 5.Conceivably, some good could come of our current tensions, if we handle them intelligently.
Uncertainty is always costly.
7.The PQ has promised an early referendum on independence, but the timing will not be wholly in its control. It will wait for the most promising time, which could considerably extend the period of uncertainty. 8.During the pre-referendum period, the federal government will be totally preoccupied with Quebec. Provincial governments and individuals in ROC will have to think about their own affairs. 9.ROC and Ottawa are not the same thing at all.