World Notes

Deadlines do tend to concentrate the mind. That would seem to be the hope of Robert Bourassa, Quebec's premier, who last week delivered a clear ultimatum to Canada: draw up, by the end of 1992, a new constitution that gives Quebec greater powers -- or the French-speaking province will vote on secession. Said Jean Allaire, head of the Quebec committee that drafted the challenge: "This proposal is the final and decisive test for Canada."

The same claims were made about Meech Lake, the plan for constitutional reforms supported by Quebec but defeated when two English-speaking provinces rejected its special provisions for the French seven months ago. That caused many observers to fear the breakup of Canada. This time Quebec demands even greater autonomy in its affairs, claiming exclusive responsibility for agriculture, environment, energy, communications, commerce and "public security" as well as a larger role in Canadian foreign affairs and tax policy. Said Bourassa: "We want a fundamental change, not cosmetic change, in the structure of the country."