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Layton reverses course on Clarity Act

Updated Wed. Dec. 7 2005 9:31 AM ET

Canadian Press

MONTREAL -- Jack Layton says he now backs the Clarity Act, which sets out rules for future votes on Quebec independence.

The statement is a reversal for the NDP leader who annoyed his own caucus in last year's election campaign when he said he would ditch the law if the opportunity arose.

"We would not repeal the Clarity Act," Layton said during a news conference Wednesday.

"It follows directly from the principles laid out by the Supreme Court and has been broadly accepted across the spectrum as a basis for proceeding."

In 2004, Layton dismissed the Clarity Act as unhelpful. He said the law outlining rules for Quebec secession "accentuates division in our country, and I think it's time to move beyond that."

Layton said he changed his mind because of the Supreme Court decision and the consensus that has emerged over the years. Even former sovereigntist leader Lucien Bouchard accepted the law as set out by the Supreme Court, he said.

"The Supreme Court has laid out the principles that should be followed," Layton said.

"The Clarity Act falls from that. It has been accepted quite broadly from Mr. Bouchard right on through. We think it can be a basis."

Bouchard and other sovereignty leaders have accepted the 1998 Supreme Court opinion saying a referendum question must be clear. The court also ruled any Yes victory must be a clear majority.

However, separatists also have said the Clarity Act, adopted two years later, distorts the court's intention by giving Ottawa the power to interpret the question.

Layton also promised Wednesday to follow up on a previous promise to push for a form of proportional representation in Parliament.

In 2004, Layton said NDP support for a minority government would hang on such electoral reform. Prime Minister Paul Martin backtracked on a promise to follow up, Layton said.

"We need more New Democrats in the House in order to make sure proportional representation can happen," Layton said.

"Mr. Martin frankly broke his word. In the speech from the throne, at our insistence, he included democratic reform but then he and his team dragged their feet throughout this entire Parliament to make sure it couldn't happen."