What do Americans think about Québec independence? (coastal, work)

[CurlyFries]

Originally Posted by dxdtdemon

I have long been a supporter of Quebec independence. The interesting question is going to be what will happen to the maritime provinces. Will they become US states, or will Canada just be a non-contiguous country?

I was just about to make a very similar post. Though I don't think the Maritime provinces want to join the US.

[VTinPhilly]

Perhaps the OP could bring us up-to-date on where Quebec independence stands today. Quebec lost the first independence vote 60%/40% in 1980 but nearly won in 1995 with a vote of 50.5%/49.5%. With the last vote that close, surely those favoring independence for Quebec would want a new vote on the issue--and soon. Some questions I have--


* Is there much pressure in Quebec today for independence? Any idea if and when a new vote on Quebec independence will take place? Would it succeed?


*If Quebec votes in favor of independence, will Ottawa allow secession to take place based solely on the vote?


Considering the length of time Quebec has been part of Canada, the magnitude of such a separation seems huge--so many complications and challenges to consider. I've been to Quebec several times and loved each visit. The Province seemed like its own country to me especially in Quebec City where French was so dominant. I was under the impression that Ottawa has bent over backwards to accommodate the cultural concerns of Quebec citizens within the larger Canadian federation, so I really don't understand why so many in Quebec are anxious to separate. Would you really be that much better off?


Canada seems to be the World's favorite country. I hope it holds together.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by CurlyFries

I was just about to make a very similar post. Though I don't think the Maritime provinces want to join the US.

Correct. There is no impulse in the Canadian Maritimes to join the US and I doubt there would be even if Quebec became independent.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by VTinPhilly

Perhaps the OP could bring us up-to-date on where Quebec independence stands today. Quebec lost the first independence vote 60%/40% in 1980 but nearly won in 1995 with a vote of 50.5%/49.5%. With the last vote that close, surely those favoring independence for Quebec would want a new vote on the issue--and soon. Some questions I have--


* Is there much pressure in Quebec today for independence? Any idea if and when a new vote on Quebec independence will take place? Would it succeed?


*If Quebec votes in favor of independence, will Ottawa allow secession to take place based solely on the vote?


Considering the length of time Quebec has been part of Canada, the magnitude of such a separation seems huge--so many complications and challenges to consider. I've been to Quebec several times and loved each visit. The Province seemed like its own country to me especially in Quebec City where French was so dominant. I was under the impression that Ottawa has bent over backwards to accommodate the cultural concerns of Quebec citizens within the larger Canadian federation, so I really don't understand why so many in Quebec are anxious to separate. Would you really be that much better off?


Canada seems to be the World's favorite country. I hope it holds together.

I am not the OP (we haven't seen him in a while), but to answer your question...


The Quebec independence movement is going through a bit of a soul-searching right now.


Actually, the leader of the Parti Québécois (the main separatist party at the provincial level) resigned yesterday, citing family reasons. His leadership was more or less successful.


The PQ are not the government of Quebec at the moment. The federalist (pro-Canada) Liberals are in power and have been for several years. But the PQ are not dead - the hold the second-highest number of seats in the assembly, and there will be no shortage of people wanting to be its leader.


At the federal level, the pro-independence Bloc Québécois have 10 seats out of the 78 alloted to Quebec. People have predicted the death of this party but it has survived. Though it's far from what it used to be, as it once had over 50 seats.


Overall, about 40% of the population in Quebec can be said to favour independence.

[bruhms]

It's native land so ask the natives first

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by bruhms

It's native land so ask the natives first

Just like the land you're sitting on right now, no?

[bruhms]

Originally Posted by Acajack

Just like the land you're sitting on right now, no?

yes

[floridanative10]

does quebec have alot of natural resources? I believe alot of the northeasts heating oil comes from there

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by floridanative10

does quebec have alot of natural resources? I believe alot of the northeasts heating oil comes from there

Heating oil - that would not be the case.


Quebec is not an oil and gas producer, although apparently there is some here but it's not in extraction/production due to questions of feasibility, environmental concerns, etc.


Quebec is however a major provider of electricity to the U.S. northeast. This is hydroelectric power.


Other than that, the province does have a significant amount of natural resources. Mining is a huge industry. As is forestry, the fishery, etc.


Basically most of the stuff you can imagine for a North American territory that is huge and sparsely populated.

[snj90]

Originally Posted by bruhms

It's native land so ask the natives first

Earlier in this thread someone claimed Quebec was settled by the French because it was uninhabited. One Native American tribe had driven the other one out. Looks like this typical narrative falls apart upon closer inspection.