The act was opposed by Quebec nationalists, who regarded it as an infringement on their national sovereignty.
In the same period it became seen by Quebec nationalists as a prime example of the anglophone businesses that controlled the province.
Quebec nationalists said it did not go far enough in meeting their demands, while those with anti-Quebec feelings saw it going too far.
Quebec nationalists say independence is the only way to hold on to their distinct society within the sea of North American English speakers.
This produced controversy when several well-known Quebec nationalists suggested that he should refuse the award.
Compact theory is often advanced by Quebec nationalists.
It tried to address the very real grievances of native people, Quebec nationalists and the Canadian West.
With secession, many Quebec nationalists think they have the answer to Canada's continual constitutional debate.
But some Quebec nationalists opposed it because they wanted a much broader shift in power to Quebec, including, for example, financial powers.
This happened at a time when the federal Liberals, still led by Laurier, were trying to rebuild a support base among Quebec nationalists.