Duceppe demands Harper enshrine Quebec nation status in constitution

Bloc Qubcois Leader Gilles Duceppepulled the Quebec constitutional debate into the federal election campaign mix on Friday, calling on Conservative Leader Stephen Harper to enshrine Quebec's status as a nation in the Canadian Constitution.

In 2006, Harper's Conservative government succeeded inpassing a motion in the House of Commons "recognizing that the Qubcois form a nation within a united Canada."

That was an importantstep for Quebec but limited in value, because"there isn't a sovereigntist who can be satisfied with the symbolic recognition of their nation," Duceppe said during a campaign stop in Montreal Thursday.

Quebec needs formal recognition in the Canadian Constitution; "it's fundamental," Duceppe insisted.

But Duceppe is not prepared to sign the Canadian constitution, even if the government grants his wish.

"There are a lot of other things that have to be part of changes to the constitution. It isn't limited to that,"the Bloc leadersaid. "At the end of the line, I think we can never obtain what we want within Canada. That's why we need sovereignty."

Duceppe's demandcomes as the Bloc leader has faced stinging criticism during the Oct. 14 election campaign from separatists saying his party has sidelined itsmandate toworktoward Quebec sovereignty.

Dumont wants declaration

On Thursday, Action Dmocratique du Qubec Leader Mario Dumont, who has indicatedhepersonally supports the Conservatives, calledon Harper to formally recognize the declaration within the Constitution, which was ratified in 1982 without Quebec's inclusion.

Duceppe, speaking at a candidates' introduction rally in Papineau, called on Harper to "stop hiding" behind meaningless statements.

"Mr. Harper, are you for or against enshrining the recognition of Quebec as a nation in the Canadian Constitution as has been asked for by Mario Dumont?" Duceppe said. "Let Mr. Harper answer that question."

While speaking on national unity on Thursday, Harper defended his government's record of open federalism and recognizing Quebec as a nation, but said he was not interested in revisiting the debate over Quebec and theConstitution at this time.

Duceppe's campaignhas been struggling following criticism of his party by a prominent sovereigntist in an open letter.

Jacques Brassard, a former Parti Qubcois cabinet minister, accused the Bloc of becoming a "clone" of the NDP and failing to effectively promote Quebec independence as its main platform issue.

Duceppe dismissed the attack as a matter of personal opinion, insisting the Bloc's policies are distinct fromthose ofthe NDP.