By Ching-Yuan Huang The origins of the Quebec Independence Movement can be traced back to the period of European Colonization. At that time, the French had colonized Canada for over a century. In addition to preaching Catholicism, they were interested in the considerable profits from fur trading. Eventually the British also wanted part of the trade, and they fought against the French in the French and Indian War of 1763. This conflict divided Canada into Lower Canada and Upper Canada, which today corresponds roughly to province of Quebec and the rest of Canadian provinces. Different from British Canadians who use English and practice Protestantism, most French Canadians speak French and are Catholics. Although Canada was united in 1867, some French Canadians still strongly feel that Quebec should become its own country instead of being dominated by the federal government in Ottawa. After World War II, because of the close ties Canada still had with the British, many French Canadians felt that the rest of Canada didn’t care about them. Though French Canadians were unsatisfied, the idea of a separate French Canada was not widely supported. By the 1960s, however, thinking had changed, and many French Canadians began to think of themselves as Quebecois, not Canadians. According to Xavier Gelinas, curator of the Canadian Museum of Civilization, “The spirit of Quebec independence never ends. Once the pride of Quebec is offended or humiliated, Quebecois’ rage will be sparked again.” During 1960s and 1970s, a Quiet Revolution took Canada by storm, when French influence began to assert itself against English domination, and the momentum for Quebec independence grew stronger. What is worth noticing is that these separatists didn’t use violence to achieve their goal. Rather, they took part in the government. Joseph Wong, a professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Toronto, says that “Federalism and the sacrosanct quality of the constitution actually avoided violent clashes.” This led to the Sovereignty Association proposed by the Parti Quebecois, referring to the province of Quebec being politically independent from Canada but continuing to have an economic association or partnership with Canada. In 1980 and 1995, people in Quebec voted on whether they should secede from Canada. Both referendums ended in favor of remaining Canadian. “Don’t forget,” said one Parti Quebecois politician, “Canada’s population is partly formed by immigrants who left their original living conditions eager to find better and more stable lives in Canada.” Even most young people in Quebec seem to think that they are unable to survive without cooperating with the federal government, especially during the current economic stagnation. But the results of the vote were razor-thin, showing that while just over half the voters decided to remain Canadian, nearly 50% wanted a different relationship. Those who oppose Quebec separatism argue that it would result in economic disaster and a political breakdown. They want people to display a spirit of national unity. However, those who support Quebec separatism appeal to the pride of their French language and culture. They want more power to protect their identity. From the federal government’s point of view, Quebec should not be allowed to separate from Canada, since Quebec not only bears geographical significance but is rich in natural resources and has access to many waterways for shipping and trade. The Parti Quebecois won 40% of votes in the provincial elections of 1976 and became the leading party. In recent years, however, the party is facing challenges both from within and without. It not only has to deal with the pro-independence movement but also needs to attract younger supporters. But many in the party are still defiant. One politician remarked without hesitation that the province would still separate if it received enough support. Perhaps the current spirit of Quebec Independence may one day disappear, but until then we can expect the controversies to continue. a
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May 2024
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