Whistler’s Answers: April 22, 1982Whistler’s Answers: April 22, 1982
In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1982. Please note, all names/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
You may notice that this week is missing some photos for those who provided answers – not all of the Whistler Question negatives that were rescued from a fire in 1991 were able to be repaired and so some photographs are still missing. We are considering ways to include photographs when this happens, such as scanning physical copies of the paper, but for this week at least their words must stand on their own.
Some context for this week’s question: Not all questions asked to the public were Whistler specific. In 1981, the Parliament of Canada requested that the British Parliament remove its ability to amend Canada’s constitution. This power was transferred to Canada through the UK’s Canada Act 1982 in March 1982 and on April 17, 1982, the proclamation was signed to bring the Constitution Act, 1982 into force.
Question: Do you think bringing the constitution home will make any difference to Canadians?
Ann Marie Warren – Sales Clerk – Tamarisk
Not immediately. I think the effects are going to be felt in the future.
As with a change in any rules, people won’t be aware of all the implications and finer points until they see how the Constitution fits into the entire picture.
It’s a good thing, though – another step in the emerging Canadian identity.
Hermel Rioux – Waiter – Gondola Area
Actually, it hasn’t made any difference to me. But I think it’s a good idea to have our own constitution and I think French Canadian people feel much better about it.
There are a lot of Quebecois who are French, but still want to see the country together, although they would like it to be bilingual.
I think having the Constitution here will definitely help the country to stay together. I don’t want to have to cross a border to go home.
Curtis Beckon – Bartender – Brio
No. I think the whole thing is a waste of taxpayer’s money. They should be trying to create more jobs for people or encourage new industry instead of messing around with this.
It’s not going to help people out to have the constitution here. As a matter of fact, I think it’s turning things upside down. It’s almost like starting over again.
Dave Sillmans – Ski Tech – Tamarisk
It makes absolutely no difference to me. And I don’t think it will make much difference to anyone.
It’s not going to make anyone prouder to be Canadian. It’s been over there so long that bringing it back isn’t going to make one bit of difference.
Brent Gilker – Seaman – Alpine Meadows
Of the people who are already mature, none will notice or care, except those who are in trouble with the law or their rights.
But for younger Canadians who are studying the constitution in school, I optimistically believe they will take that information and help make this into a far better country.
Rick Chandler – Liftee – No fixed adress
It’s possible. It depends on how many know what’s in the constitution. And you know what? I’d guarantee that 90 percent of the people have no idea at all.
I don’t, and I read the paper.