Heritage Minister Liza Frulla says she disagrees with Governor-General Michaëlle Jean's comment that the era of two solitudes in Canada is over, pointing out that another vote on Quebec independence could be held within a few years.
"If you ask me, Liza, is it finished? I'll say 'no,' " Ms. Frulla said on CTV's Question Period. If it was finished, "we wouldn't talk actually about a referendum in 2008," she said.
When she was sworn in last week as Canada's 27th Governor-General, Ms. Jean said the era of two solitudes -- francophone and anglophone -- doesn't reflect today's reality.
"The time of the two solitudes that for too long described the character of this country is past," she said. "The narrow notion of every person for himself does not belong in today's world, which demands that we learn to see beyond our wounds, beyond our differences for the good of all.
"Quite the contrary: We must eliminate the spectre of all the solitudes and promote solidarity among all the citizens who make up the Canada of today."
But Ms. Frulla, one of Prime Minister Paul Martin's key ministers in Quebec, also said she agrees with Ms. Jean in that it's time for Canadians "to stop quibbling" and work more closely together.
Ms. Frulla's comments, however, also reflect those made last week by one of the most visible leaders of Quebec's sovereignty movement.
"Concerning the two solitudes, I think the two solitudes will exist, or are still existing," Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe said.
Bloc MP Richard Marceau said he agrees with Ms. Frulla and called Ms. Jean's speech "the most ultra-federalist speech that we've heard in Ottawa since Pierre Trudeau."
Mr. Marceau said Ms. Jean's speech was not well-received in Quebec, but was the "best speech that [she]could have made" for sovereigntists.
"There's no place for middle-of-the-road Quebeckers who are nationalist but don't recognize themselves in that ultra-federalist speech," the MP said. "It's the best thing for us."
Ms. Jean's officials have said that bridging the divide between the two solitudes will be one of Ms. Jean's key objectives as Governor-General. Her new coat of arms includes the motto Briser Les Solitudes (Breaking Down Solitudes) and features two black mermaids blowing conch shells. The mermaids are supposed to symbolize the role played by women in the pursuit of social justice.
Much of Ms. Jean's speech last week emphasized the importance of looking ahead and trying to achieve social goals.
"We are at a turning point in the history of civilization, and more than ever before, our future rests on those who are forcing us to imagine the world of tomorrow," she said.
The governor-general represents the Queen as head of state in Canada's constitutional monarchy. He or she is commander of the armed forces and holds what are referred to as the great constitutional fire extinguishers.
Ms. Jean became the first governor-general appointed from Quebec in 21 years, since the late Jeanne Sauvé. Although she was born in Saskatchewan, Ms. Sauvé represented Quebec in the House of Commons.
The appointment of Ms. Jean, a former broadcaster in Quebec, was expected to provide a significant boost to Liberal fortunes in her home province. Although Liberals believe they may be able to win a majority in the coming federal election without significant electoral gains in Quebec, that province is again expected to be a key battleground.
The federal Liberals have expressed concern over increasing support for sovereignty and the failing fortunes of Quebec Liberal Premier Jean Charest's government. The party has also been hurt, particularly in Quebec, over the sponsorship scandal.