Authors: Roger Gibbins, Casey Vander Ploeg and Carey Hill

In September of 1997, the premiers of Canada’s English-speaking provinces and the Leaders of the two northern territories met in Calgary, Alberta to discuss ways to move ahead on national unity. The meeting was prompted by the impending provincial election in Québec and the insistence of the Parti Québécois that another referendum on sovereignty would follow if they were to win that election.

As a result of the meeting, the premiers agreed to a document called “A Framework for Discussion on Canadian Unity” or “The Calgary Declaration.” The Declaration is comprised of seven statements or principles, and was intended to serve as the basis for a series of citizen consultations in each of the premiers’ respective provinces and territories.

This report intends to gather the results of all public consultations in one document, provide a regional summary of western opinion and perspectives and gain insight to how western Canadians may react should the Declaration form the basis for a future constitutional amendment.