The following address by the Honourable John Robarts, Prime Minister of Ontario, was made to the Montmorency Conference, August 9th, 1967

Document: The following address by the Honourable John Robarts, Prime Minister of Ontario, was made to the Montmorency Conference, August 9th, 1967. Gentlemen, I am here as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party. I am here as the leader of the Government of the Province of Ontario. I am here as a person who is vitally concerned about the future of Canada. I am not here as a candidate for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada. I have been asked to outline my views on Confederation. I am delighted to do so and eagerly accept this opportunity to express the positions which have been taken by the Government of Ontario on this, the most vital of issues which all Canadians must face as we continue to build and develop our country. May I say at the outset that I fully realize that the objectives of a National Party might differ from those of a leader of a Provincial Government . If you will bear this in mind, then I should be most pleased to put forward what must be regarded as a provincial point of view - if you like, the Ontario point of view. I should like to discuss some of the developments within the present framework of Confederation as I have seen them occur in recent years. I should like to discuss some of the positions taken by the Government of Ontario in federal-provincial and inter -provincial matters. I should like to outline the views which have led to the convening of the Confederation of Tomorrow Conference in Toronto in November. I shall do so in order that you can have the necessary background on these matters as you consider possible policies for the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada. I shall begin by stating my view that Canada's survival as a nation goes far beyond party lines. Confederation came about because men of differing political positions rose above party differences and united in a common cause. Men such as Macdonald, Cartier, Brown, Galt and the other Fathers of Confederation were able to 52 agree on fundamental principles. Their faith in a common cause resulted in the formation of the Dominion of Canada. However, in facing the challenge of building upon the sound foundations laid by these inspired men, along with the truly remarkable achievements of the Canadian people during our first 100 years as a nation, the Progressive Conservative Party has a singular responsibility to rise to this challenge. For we, as Conservatives and as the successors of Macdonald, carry the honour and the obligation of being the Party of Confederation and the Party of National Development . The challenge that Progressive Conservatives face as we look to the future from the vantage point of our Centennial Year is twofold : to develop our heritage to the full, to become truly the Party of Reconfederation. This must be done. This can be done. We as Progressive Conservatives must do it. In this connection, may I say that the key to the preservation of Confederation and the survival of our country - to which I am wholeheartedly committed - lies in the involvement of people. Canadians in all walks of life, at all levels of the economic ladder, residents of every province, must become more aware of the crucial problems which Canada faces. I believe that the celebrations and observances of the Centennial Year and, especially, EXPO, have given Canadians a fresh sense of nationhood and a new pride in their magnificent country. It is also possible that recent events in Quebec connected with the visit of President Charles de Gaulle of France may have awakened among many individuals an awareness that serious consideration of fundamental issues is necessary if Canada is not to drift aimlessly amid stormy seas, always with the danger of foundering upon the jagged rocks of disinterest and neglect. I think you will agree that the years immediately ahead - indeed, this year - will be crucial to our survival as a nation. I should like to make perfectly clear that I have complete confidence that we shall survive as a nation. Personally, I shall do everything within my power to assure that we survive and continue...