Originaly published on www.uni.ca (September 2006).
We have seen it in the past and expect to see it again in the future. When it comes to Québec and Canadian unity, English Canadians have neither the interest nor the desire to address the issue.
Even the well balanced Globe & Mail’s Editorial Board suggests (September 2006) that anyone promoting a change of any substance to our Federation and favoring the recognition of Québec in our Constitution is out of touch. “National unity is not threatened”.
More recently, you could also read from Tom Healy: “…I don't agree that Quebec's separation still represents a serious threat. Quebec has been making noises about separating for at least the past 30 years, yet still remains in the Canadian federation. Why? Because Quebec is highly indebted, is continuing to live well beyond its means and, therefore, needs the billions of dollars in equalization payments provided by Ontario and Alberta every year. Leaving the federation is not a realistic option.”
This way of thinking is not new. It brought us no where. When it comes to Quebecers, issues are not issues of “realistic” preferences. The mind of a Québécois is often far more subjective… filled with dignity and sentiments of pride and nationalism. To continually stick or insist on logic will contribute to the break up of Canada. We need nation building and we need leadership both in Québec City and in Ottawa.
Within the next 12 to 24 months, Québec will be called to their polls. From all indications, the PQ will form the next Government with a mandate for Ref III. Many of us, here at uni.ca, believe that the next one will be the final one.
English Canada just doesn’t get it… The blame for the break up of this Federation will lie everywhere, not just in one single Province. In the end, Canada may disintegrate mostly due to lack of vision and courage on the part of so called “Federalists”.
We have seen it in the past and expect to see it again in the future. When it comes to Québec and Canadian unity, English Canadians have neither the interest nor the desire to address the issue.
Even the well balanced Globe & Mail’s Editorial Board suggests (September 2006) that anyone promoting a change of any substance to our Federation and favoring the recognition of Québec in our Constitution is out of touch. “National unity is not threatened”.
More recently, you could also read from Tom Healy: “…I don't agree that Quebec's separation still represents a serious threat. Quebec has been making noises about separating for at least the past 30 years, yet still remains in the Canadian federation. Why? Because Quebec is highly indebted, is continuing to live well beyond its means and, therefore, needs the billions of dollars in equalization payments provided by Ontario and Alberta every year. Leaving the federation is not a realistic option.”
This way of thinking is not new. It brought us no where. When it comes to Quebecers, issues are not issues of “realistic” preferences. The mind of a Québécois is often far more subjective… filled with dignity and sentiments of pride and nationalism. To continually stick or insist on logic will contribute to the break up of Canada. We need nation building and we need leadership both in Québec City and in Ottawa.
Within the next 12 to 24 months, Québec will be called to their polls. From all indications, the PQ will form the next Government with a mandate for Ref III. Many of us, here at uni.ca, believe that the next one will be the final one.
English Canada just doesn’t get it… The blame for the break up of this Federation will lie everywhere, not just in one single Province. In the end, Canada may disintegrate mostly due to lack of vision and courage on the part of so called “Federalists”.
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