Jack Layton expressed yesterday that he would “not repeal the Clarity Act” yesterday, reversing his stand on the issue during the 2004 election, according to the Globe and Mail.
Mr. Layton said he disagreed with Parti Québécois Leader André Boisclair, who recently said his future government would not be bound by the Clarity Act should he become premier and launch another referendum.
The Clarity Act sets the terms under which Ottawa would negotiate the secession of Quebec after a Yes vote in a sovereignty referendum.
Unpopular among Quebec nationalists, the law says a clear question and a clear majority are required, but that members of Parliament will ultimately decide whether these conditions have been met to their satisfaction.
If he had any chance of votes in Quebec from Parti Quebecois / Bloc members, they’re gone now. Although, I don’t believe he did anyhow and is simply appealing to the Liberal vote in PQ.