The record, 1 mars 1996, vendredi 1 mars 1996

Mutual Funds How do yours compare to the best?call Caluin T.Chan (819) 822-4460 / 1-800-561-3718 MIDLAND WALWYN HUE CHIP The Voice of the Eastern Townships since 1837 FRIDAY March 1,1996 65 cents — the web ¦ ‘All valid means of consultation’ Out of reach: Bishop's forward Patrice Lemieux helped I the Gaiters put their playoff game Thursday beyond the visiting Redmen’s grasp.For the full story please see Page 19._________________________________ RECORD PHOTO: PERKY BEATON J Dion won’t give up on referendum plan MONTREAL (CP) — The federal government has not ruled out the idea of a pan-Canadian referendum on national unity, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion suggested Thursday.Dion was asked about the reference in Tuesday’s throne speech to a possibility that “all Canadians will have their say” if Quebec votes again on separation.Since the speech was delivered, Deputy Prime Minister Sheila Copps said Ottawa isn’t interested in tying up Canada in a national vote.In a telephone interview with Quebec broadcasters Thursday, Dion was asked to clarify the government’s position.“Madame Copps said we hope there isn’t a referendum on the future of Canada,” he said.“That would be extremely traumatic.” “But we’re not the only players,” he said.“And if there is another referendum on the future of Canada, the federal government has See DION Page 2 Saving on rent money?For Lucien Bouchard, home is the good-old office couch By Jack Branswell QUEBEC (CP) — Politics makes for strange bedfellows — and for strange places to bed down.Premier Lucien Bouchard has been regularly overnighting at his bedroom-equipped office in Quebec City thanks to his predecessor’s controversial accommodations.Bouchard’s room for manoeuvre has been restricted by the premier’s $14,000 annual housing allowance, which is tied up paying for the mansion that former premier Jacques Parizeau called home.That home surrounded Parizeau in scandal because it was purchased by the local chamber of commerce and leased to the premier at a low cost so Quebec City would have its head of government as a full-time resident.Bouchard, who’s been trying to convince Quebecers that belt-tightening is needed to get the province’s fiscal house in order, has stayed away from the opulent residence at 1080 des Braves.Instead, the new premier has been spending the night at a special bedroom installed in his office building located across the street from the National Assembly.“It’s his personal choice to sleep where he wants to sleep,” said Marthe Lawrence, a spokeswoman from the premier’s office.See BOUCHARD Page 2 ÜÜf'*