Most of you have probably heard about Quebec nationalism at some point in your life, even if you aren't Canadian. This is the first thread of a collection of threads I will post at some point in the future regarding separatist movements around the world. So, I have spent quite some time researching the Quebec independence movement, as well as other movements. Canada has had several referendums asking the people if they think Quebec should become independent, and every time the majority of the people have said no. Personally I am against the independence movement, since the facts simply don't support Quebec's movement, and they wouldn't be self-sufficient. I do however recognize that the culture of Quebec is different from that of the rest of Canada. Arguments for Independence * In Quebec the official language is French, whereas the rest of Canada speaks English * The goals and policies of the rest of Canada do not necessarily always align with those of Quebec * Quebec's French culture is dying and arguably without independence or autonomy, it will eventually become like the rest of Canada * Many separatists in Quebec feel as though the Canadian government didn't live up to it's promise for a new constitution in 1970 * Some websites recognize Quebec's distinct cultural differences from Canada, such as how Yahoo! has both Canadian and Quebecker Yahoo! Answers websites Arguments Against Independence * Quebec already maintains a degree of autonomy as a province of Canada * The French language is dying out in Quebec and being replaced with English * The withdrawal of Quebec from Canada could significantly hinder Canada's political, economic, and military strength * The majority of the population of Quebec don't support independence or autonomy * Terrorism committed by pro-independence guerrilla factions drives people away from supporting Quebec sovereignty * If Quebec became independent, it would create a barrier in the middle of Canada, separating Eastern Canada and Western Canada * It is questionable whether or not Quebec could be economically self-sufficient without the aid of Canada * Quebec has no pre-existing constitution or framework for government * Quebec is made up of many different ethnic groups, and an independent French-speaking Quebec could easily abuse minorities * Historically speaking, the former French government of Quebec often ignored, suppressed, and mistreated the aboriginal population * Many of the leaders of the separatist movement are discriminatory against the aboriginal population, including the former leader of Quebec, Robert Bourassa * Many aboriginal tribes in Canada have expressed concerns regarding Quebec sovereignty, and some have even threatened to leave the confederacy * The ideas on how an independent Quebec should be governed are very different, with many different parties and organizations, each with different ideological idea on what the future of Quebec should be. Many of the groups are far-left communist groups, while others are center-right and far right.. General Information Proposed State: Quebec Proposed Capital: Quebec City Today Part of: Canada (Quebec) Government: various Population: 7,970,672 (5.63 /km2 density) Land: 1,365,128 km2 land + 176,928 km2 water GDP: C$303,747 billion (C$37,278 per capita) Language: French Culture: Canadian, French Religion: Catholic Denonym: Québécois, Quebecers/Quebeckers Political Parties Parti Québécois Bloc Québécois Action démocratique du Québec Québec solidaire Parti république du Québec (defunct) Parti républicain du Québec (defunct) Parti nationaliste du Québec (defunct) Ralliement national (defunct) Mouvement Souveraineté-Association (defunct) Parti indépendantiste (defunct) Parti indépendantiste of 1985 (defunct) Parti canadien (defunct) Parti canadien of 1942 (defunct) Paramilitary Organizations Mouvement de libération nationale du Québec Société des Fils de la Liberté (defunct) Front de libération du Québec (defunct) Frères chasseurs (defunct) Other Organizations Les Intellectuels pour la souveraineté Réseau de Résistance du Québécois Mouvement national des Québécoises et des Québécois Saint-Jean-Baptiste Society Alliance laurentienne (defunct) Links http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_sovereignty_movement http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Quebec_sovereignty_movement http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_nationalism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_autonomism Flag Coat of Arms Map
arguments against independance.... The english will finish the job we started... Except that instead of letting the french live and share in the country this time, so they can spend another 200 years trying to destroy the country, they will all be shot in the head and tossed into the sea...
X 2!! Quebece is about as useful to the world as titts on a boar! It drains Canadian money away from neede project so certain ethnic groups and 'politician' can line their pockets with!
Good thread, well put together. You plan on doing a thread about Catalan Independence movement? Would be good to see a Basque one as well.
