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All of that is quite true. There are certainly more differences than similiarities. But they are more analgous than comparing Quebec to a minority group of people as the other poster did- although to be fair, there is something to that, although not really much.
Still, the similiarities between PR and PQ, while few, are significent. Both are part of the greater whole via conquest and both really do not quite fit into the whole. And both have been given the choice to legislate their destiny, yet choose to preserve the status quo, which is inadequate as well.
But yes, Canada losing Quebec would be a lot more significent than the US losing Puerto Rico.
Something to consider here:
Quebec's birthrate is below replacement level and too, supposedly many of the younger Quebecois (sp) prefer to speak English vs. French so demographics may in time mean the end of the Francophone culture.
Also; if indeed Quebec did secede, what would stop the rest of Canada, especially the Maritime provinces from petitioning to join the US, rhetorically speaking.
Quebec being part of a "conquest" in the Canadian context is about as much as a Conquest as Louisiana was. In many MORE ways, PQ and LA is a better analog in that there is an acceptance of the staus quo, rather than a forcing of change.
Which war was it in Louisiana and which losing country was forced to give up land to the victors?
Quebec being part of a "conquest" in the Canadian context is about as much as a Conquest as Louisiana was. In many MORE ways, PQ and LA is a better analog in that there is an acceptance of the staus quo, rather than a forcing of change.
Not true. Great Britain seized Quebec by force in the Seven Years War. Louisiana was purchased by the US from France.
Quebec's birthrate is below replacement level and too, supposedly many of the younger Quebecois (sp) prefer to speak English vs. French so demographics may in time mean the end of the Francophone culture.
Also; if indeed Quebec did secede, what would stop the rest of Canada, especially the Maritime provinces from petitioning to join the US, rhetorically speaking.
I don't think they so much prefer it as they now correctly recognize that English is the global language and, by default, they have a trendy skill. Just my observations over the years.
As for the rest of Canada, I recall it was conventional wisdom in the 1970s that they would join the US. But now, that would not be necessary. Economies are so integrated and interdependent now, so the rest of Canada would do just fine.
And if one gauges Anglo-Canadian opinion, they would rather join the Klingon Empire than become part of the US.
Quebec's birthrate is below replacement level and too, supposedly many of the younger Quebecois (sp) prefer to speak English vs. French so demographics may in time mean the end of the Francophone culture.
The fact that Quebec's birthrate is below replacement level (though it has begun to slowly edge back up in recent years) doesn't make it any different from most developed, western societies. As in most other places, population growth in Quebec is immigration-driven, which is why such an emphasis is placed on having immigrant kids go to school in French.
Finally, the most recent Canadian census (2006) actually showed a slight decline in the % of French speakers in Quebec who had knowledge of English as a second language.
I don't think they so much prefer it as they now correctly recognize that English is the global language and, by default, they have a trendy skill. Just my observations over the years.
Good point. Kids in Quebec want to learn and do learn English as a second language like kids in the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway do. They're not learning it to eventually replace their native language as immigrant kids would do.
As long as Montreal doesn't embrace separatism it'll be very hard for Quebec to separate. In order for separatists to achieve their goal they'd have to divide Quebec up first before they can divide Canada.
Separatist parties are still the only real alternative to voting for the liberals, usually they have strong, bold leaders who give Quebec a very strong voice in parliament. So there are a lot of people who vote for them who aren't strong supporters of separatism.
As long as Montreal doesn't embrace separatism it'll be very hard for Quebec to separate.
There is a popular misconception that suggests that Montreal was massively against separation. In actual fact, the numbers were something like 57% against separation and 43% for it. So against it for sure, but not unanimously so.
Worthy of mention as well is the fact that French speakers in Montreal voted FOR separation in higher proportions than almost any demographic group in all of Quebec, more than 70% if I recall. Since French Canadians only make up about 55% of the population on the Island of Montreal, it still wasn't enough to take the pro-separation vote over the top, but it's an interesting tidbit nonetheless.
There's this idea that if quebec were to go there'd be a war - a war between quebec and canada. The reality is that half of quebec does not want to go, any war would be within quebec between loyalists and seperatists
Very enlightening discussion. I love learning new things.
I've heard about why some quebecois want to separate, but why do the majority of french speakers want to remain canadian? What is the "loyalist" perspective in quebec?
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