EDITORIAL PAGE Quebec loses by staying away

When federal and provincial mines ministers gather in Winnipeg, Man., this month, there will be one delegation noticeable by its absence. Quebec has chosen not to participate in this year’s conference. There will be no representative from the Quebec government. Nor will there be representation from provincial professional associations out of deference and fear of appearing antagonistic to the government’s policy. Quebec’s absence is a result of the failure of the Meech Lake accord from being ratified in June. Since then, Quebec has refrained from inclusion in any federal-provincial discussions.

Quebecers stung by the accord’s demise may well support the provincial government’s decision to boycott federal-provincial conferences. It’s a way of showing their collective disappointment.

But even if the boycott is understandable, it is not defendable. Those who threaten suicide in the belief that it is a way of getting back at their tormentors are bound to be disappointed. This boycott is a similar example of Quebec cutting off its nose to spite its face.

There may be some value to this kind of political posturing at the first ministers level. The absence of one province from those highly publicized proceedings has proven to be an effective comment. Even so, it comes at some expense. For example, at the recent first ministers conference, conducted sans Quebec, a major step was taken toward liberalizing interprovincial trade. Quebec is bound to benefit from this initiative eventually, but because it was not at the table, it will have to peddle hard to catch up to the other provinces.

At the mines ministers level, however, a boycott such as this means very little outside of the industry. Usually, this annual get-together rates a few paragraphs, at most, in the general press. Quebec’s absence will probably warrant even less. It is not likely to have a big impact.

Yet, given the significance of the mining industry to Quebec’s economy, letting slip away any opportunity to see the industry progress can only be to the detriment of those Quebecers who depend on mining for their livelihood.

During the 45 years these annual conferences have been held, there was only one time when all mining provinces and territories were not present. That was in 1976, when Quebec stayed away because it was locked in a dispute with Newfoundland about rights to Labrador. Look how far that gesture got it.

Quebecers of all stripes, separatists and federalists, would be far better served if all avenues of communication were kept open. Staying away serves no purpose.