In Search of Manitoba's Constitutional Position, 1950-1990

Abstract

Despites relatively small population and “have not” status, Manitoba has been a major player on the stage of constitutional politics. This paper traces the province’s position as articulated at more than 20 First Ministers’ Conferences. It demonstrates how a vague and airy constitutional consciousness evolved into a fixation with the high polities of constitutional reform, and it contrasts the positions of seven premiers and three governing parties. The issues include entrenching francophone and aboriginal rights and the Meech Lake Accord. Manitoba's malleable position reveals doses of non-partisanship, philosophical principles, contradiction, and consistency.