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I'm not from Quebec or Canada, so I can't really comment on separatism -- that's for Quebecers and other Canadians to decide. However, I'd prefer Quebec to remain part of Canada. Without Quebec, Canada isn't really a nation, and will probably join the United States sooner or later. Plus, Quebec has been part of Canada for centuries. There isn't much to culturally distinguish English Canada from, say, Minnesota or Maine.
Plus, the Habs would have to change their name if Quebec separated.
Personally I don't care about Quebec one way or the other. The only interest it holds for me is that I see in that province's separatism the future of southwest United States. Give it a generation or two and the Hispanics will be agitating for a separate political entity and identity. And it won't be peaceful.
Not with the newest generation. The only way it would gain traction is if the rest of Canada completely throws the middle finger up at Quebec and constantly screws them over. It's not looking like it's headed in that direction.
The younger generation despises the sovereignty movement as it has completely distracted from much needed jobs and progress in the province as a whole. Is it any coincidence that the orange crush that got elected last month did so with the vast support of them? No. Is it any coincidence that there are many new young members of Parliament representing Quebec from the NDP? No.
The recent election certainly marked a big upheaval. Only time will tell, though, whether or not this is a true change or just a blip.
It is interesting to note that Quebecers, who had traditionally voted en masse for the Bloc, a Quebec-only party, opted to join ranks with other Canadians in a cross-Canada left-wing party, the NDP.
Unfortunately, only a minority of "other Canadians" seem to have come on board, and the Conservatives won a majority for all intents and purposes without Quebec.
Basically, the new Government of Canada has less than 5% representation from Quebec, whereas Quebec is close to a country of the country's population.
Many of the key elements of the Conservative platform (tough on crime, military spending, environmental indifference, etc.) are anathema to the vast majority of people in Quebec. Yet with a majority, the Conservatives can do whatever they want and there is not a thing the NDP and its fresh-faced group of political neophytes from Quebec and their minority of lefty friends from the ROC can do about it for the next four years.
So you have a perfect storm of opportunity for a whole bunch of policies that will be unpopular in Quebec to get rammed through Parliament in Ottawa over the next four years.
If Stephen Harper does not act statesmanlike and govern as the PM of all Canadians (including those in regions that did not vote for him), he could do serious damage to the future of the country.
The "rest of Canada" imposing its will on Quebec with a "it-sucks-to-be-you" attitude might just be what the separatist movement needs to get reignited.
We are not out of the woods yet. Far from it in fact.
The recent election certainly marked a big upheaval. Only time will tell, though, whether or not this is a true change or just a blip.
It is interesting to note that Quebecers, who had traditionally voted en masse for the Bloc, a Quebec-only party, opted to join ranks with other Canadians in a cross-Canada left-wing party, the NDP.
Unfortunately, only a minority of "other Canadians" seem to have come on board, and the Conservatives won a majority for all intents and purposes without Quebec.
Basically, the new Government of Canada has less than 5% representation from Quebec, whereas Quebec is close to a country of the country's population.
Many of the key elements of the Conservative platform (tough on crime, military spending, environmental indifference, etc.) are anathema to the vast majority of people in Quebec. Yet with a majority, the Conservatives can do whatever they want and there is not a thing the NDP and its fresh-faced group of political neophytes from Quebec and their minority of lefty friends from the ROC can do about it for the next four years.
So you have a perfect storm of opportunity for a whole bunch of policies that will be unpopular in Quebec to get rammed through Parliament in Ottawa over the next four years.
If Stephen Harper does not act statesmanlike and govern as the PM of all Canadians (including those in regions that did not vote for him), he could do serious damage to the future of the country.
The "rest of Canada" imposing its will on Quebec with a "it-sucks-to-be-you" attitude might just be what the separatist movement needs to get reignited.
We are not out of the woods yet. Far from it in fact.
Eh, the NDP has 4 years to solidly build their reputation with the rest of the country... and if Quebec doesn't let go, they will be the next government in Canada without much trouble. By then, the Conservatives will have gone through the natural Canadian cycle of politics and will be kicked to the curb.
Honestly, I don't care if Quebec decides to independent themselves. If they do, then they do, good for them.
But their problem has no effect on our country, so...they need to deal with it themselves. If people don't like what they do, then people just need to get over it and deal with it.
Why would Quebec want to go from being the only predominately French-speaking province out of 11 to the only French-speaking state out of 51? Especially in a nation that is VERY hostile to linguistic and cultural diversity?
Besides, the Republicans would NEVER let it happen. Quebec is the most liberal state/province in North America.
You don't think that the Republicans would want more white Catholics?
While I don't think they'd want Montreal (given that it would effectively be a second New York City) they'd definitely want the rest of Quebec for racial and religious reasons.
Honestly, I don't care if Quebec decides to independent themselves. If they do, then they do, good for them.
But their problem has no effect on our country, so...they need to deal with it themselves. If people don't like what they do, then people just need to get over it and deal with it.
No effect? Maybe not in Florida, but it does have an effect if you live in Maine, New York or New Hampshire (or other areas near Quebec).
You don't think that the Republicans would want more white Catholics?
While I don't think they'd want Montreal (given that it would effectively be a second New York City) they'd definitely want the rest of Quebec for racial and religious reasons.
No, they wouldn't. Most Quebecers are not practicing Catholics, they just have a Catholic heritage. Plus, Quebec is heavily populated and very, very liberal. It would be like adding another Illinois or New Jersey to the U.S., only more left-wing. Quebec would be a blue state, for sure, and would tip the balance of power against the Republicans.
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