Québec is a different political beast. After having flirted with a right-wing provincial government in 2007, it's now giving massive support to a left-wing party in Ottawa. One thing's for sure... the Québécois want change and it's not Harper. But are they set to get the change they want?
Now, Québec is left with even less possibilities for cabinet representation and an MP delegation at the House of Commons that will defend the province's interest within the context of a united country. Is a reconciliation going to happen or is it just the worst of both world? Isn't the province now simply reduced to contemplate the leverage the Bloc had been giving it all these years?
Canadians have been complaining that the Québécois had been voting themselves out of the federal system. The Québécois are back in.
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A Québécois Pure Laine reaching out to Anglos and Allophones
About Me
- Michel Bolduc
- Montréal, Canada
- A middle class family man who tackled his second language with his will and his wits. "Studying in your second language is the amazing opportunity to take a step back, observe two cultures and realize why you appreciate them both."
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2 comments:
By leverage, I'm referring to the voice the Bloc has been giving to the National Assembly on the federal scene for so long. The Bloc carried many of the provincial Liberals' dossiers in the House of Commons. I don't think the NDP can do this as well.
The Québécois and other Canadians see things differently; don't always realize they don't understand each other. By being such a strong voice on the federal scene, the Bloc had been casting a shadow on this distinction. In some ways, they've been counterproductive to the PQ, the only party in a position to actually make sovereignty a reality.
The sovereignty movement lost not one, but two referendums. There is no doubt in my mind that being part of Canada is the Québécois' preferred option. I think that's what they see when Layton referred to the "winning conditions". In his latest column, Vincent Marissal refers to a nouveau beau risque. I share his point of view. And if we're right, the NDP has a very big mandate on its hands. The Québécois might very well be in for a big disappointment.
You mention "anti-Québec gaffe". Meech Lake and the AdScam weren't devised as anti-Québec, but that's how they turned out. The stage is all set for such an event. Canadians are under the impression that the Québécois are turning away from the sovereignty option. In reality, they are looking for another alternative to the status quo, something the NDP is in no position to give them. Harper will add thirty seats in Western Canada. I can't blame him, but the sovereigntists will.
Time will tell us which of my interpretation or yours prevails. But I've been discussing this at work with Québécois of all background. The fact that they and you can't see this tells me that Canada might be in for a very rude awakening.
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