Wesley Cohen (Chateau Laurier)
Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Ottawa
Significance: The Chateau Laurier is the site of what has become known as: the night of long knives. This event happened through the night on November 4th 1981, where provincial officials worked throughout the night, except for Quebec, to create a compromise that would allow for what became known as Constitution Act 1982. The compromise included the creation of the notwithstanding clause, a domestic amendment formula, and removing the compensation for provinces that opted out of federally funded programs. Were it not for the final compromise, Prime Minister Trudeau may have had to act unilaterally to patriate the constitution or hold a referendum.
The actions of that night, still has an impact on Quebec attitudes to wards the rest of Canada, and on Quebec political culture.
GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 45.41002 | Longitude: -75.747643
This content has been updated on 19 November 2016 at 16 h 08 min.