Parti Quebecois : Oui Ou Non

Parti Quebecois : Oui ou Non?

Oui ou Non? Yes or No? Usually a simple question, but there is nothing simple about deciding if Quebec should separate from the rest of Canada. If you were a Quebecer what would your decision be? Although there are reasons not to separate, I believeQuebec should separate if they have the chance. This battle between the French side of Canada vs. English has been going on for many years. Even during WW1 there was hostility between both. There have been many leaders for the French (Bloc Quebecois and Parti Quebecois)[1] but none of them made a huge impact on the French until a man named Rene Lévesque stepped in. He put up an amazing fight notifying Quebec that the right decision was to separate and succeeded to convince them. There was yet another vote and this time the French wanting to separate were finally victorious with a 51% vs. 49%[2], but why didn’t Quebec separate after the win? Rene Lévesque stepped down from his dutyas leader shortly after the vote and the rest of Canada did not make it official. This was an outrage to Quebecers. Protests soared even worse than before and more damage was being done to the English speaking businesses of Quebec. Quebec’s population decreased because the English felt ambushed and uncomfortable. Why should Quebec separate?

Quebec and France have an amazing relationship governmentally. The French would support Quebec 100% of the way. They would help Quebec with money and even encourage tourism. Quebec would not only receive from France but all other French speaking countries. French people feel more superior than others and take more pride of their culture than the English. The French parts of the world are somewhat allies with Quebec. Quebec would no doubt have support not only financially but through several aspects, including war and economy. Quebec would not need to worry much about its army. France would gladlyally itself with Quebec to have a bigger and stronger army. Quebec should not only depend on France for support, so what other evidence is there to prove Quebec can manage on their own?

Quebec is currently financially stable. It supplies half of New York and other small states in the United States with its electricity.[3]New York is dependant on Quebec and also contributes to Quebec’s finances. Quebec rakes in millions of dollars a year with its tourism. Tourism in Quebec is especially popular during the winter, because of its mountains for skiing and snowboarding. There are famous events that take place inQuebec’s capital, Quebec City. Quebec City holds a Bonhomme Carnival every year and people from all over Canadatravel to Quebec to join in on the festivities. During other seasons although tourism is not as popular it is still fairly attractive. Few provinces inCanada do not have steep mountains and ski hills,Quebecis one of two, the other being British Columbia on the western side of Canada. Most of Quebec’s tourists come from Ontario and the US because it’s convenient distance.Quebecwould benefit by not needing to give to the English Canadian government, like they do now, which would mean more money for themselves.

Quebecwould have the ability to remain financially stable. Even though Quebec is the largest among Canada’s provinces, it does not have a large population. This would make it easier for the government to provide Quebecers with the essentials, such as money and good employment. Quebec would still be providing New York with hydro electricity so that their economy would benefit. They are also able to provide their own electricity through hydro. Tourists would still visit as well. Not many aspects would change except for them being off on their own.

Quebec would also be able to make its own laws without conflict with other political leaders. There would still be hostility over the Francophone vs. Anglophone issue but it would not be as strong and it would be without violence.

As written in the above, Quebec has good reasons why they should and could separate from Canada. Quebec would have Frances support and other French speaking countries, they are financially stable right now and they would continue to do so. So now ask yourself … Oui ou Non? What do you think is the right choice?

[1] Peter, Kizilos, Quebec: Province Divided.

[2] Peter, Kizilos, Quebec: Province Divided.

[3] Unknown author.