Indian leaders have rejected the idea of a provincial referendum, calling it "the white man's veto."

In a 2005 provincial referendum, it received 57.69% support and passed in 77 of 79 electoral districts.

Quebec and possibly other provinces are also planning to hold provincial referendums.

The Liberal Party promised to introduce voting rights for women, and to hold a provincial referendum on temperance.

Two provincial referendums, in 1980 and 1995, rejected proposals for sovereignty with majorities of 60% and 50.6% respectively.

Quebec is to vote in a provincial referendum by Oct. 26 on whether the proposal is acceptable.

Quebec came close to voting for separation in a provincial referendum last October, and the issue of national unity remains unresolved.

Pagé oversaw legislation for a provincial referendum in late 1992.

But a provincial referendum supervised by the United Nations, scheduled for July, has been thrown in doubt by rising violence.

He was particularly opposed to the policies of Stephen Juba, who had called for a provincial referendum on the issue.