Fear and Loathing on the Rideau

[ToadBrother]

I grew up in Quebec, lived there for many years. I now travel back and forth between Ontario and Quebec almost every day, and half the people I deal with are Quebecers. Never met one yet who cared a fig for Canada beyond commercial or economic interests.

So let me get this straight, you talk about politics with the people you do business with?

[cybercoma]

More importantly, who anywhere talks openly about how much they care about Canada? We live here. It's our country. Most people don't get wrapped up in these things. Even people in Quebec that consider themselves Quebecois, don't give it a second thought. People that call themselves Albertans or Ontarians or Maritimers are not scrutinized as not caring much about Canada. These are just preconceived ideas that have no basis in reality being broadbrushed over everyone in Quebec.

[Smallc]

The situation in Quebec is volatile and a part of the equally volatile federal sitaution that is developing.

Where do you live? What you're talking about is so 90s. There is no national crisis right now and no sign of one on the horizon. Quit trying to manufacture one in your mind.

Edited April 27, 2011 by Smallc

[Smallc]

There is no question they do.

Really? Maybe you're right. There is no question. Most of them definitely don't want to leave.

[Scotty]

So let me get this straight, you talk about politics with the people you do business with?

I talk about a lot of stuff with a lot of people. I like talking to people. I'm not really much into sports, though, so I'm mostly talking about what people are talking about, be it local events, crime, politics, etc.

It's not like I'm at a service counter passing out forms, ya know.

[Scotty]

More importantly, who anywhere talks openly about how much they care about Canada? We live here. It's our country.

That's not the way it is. If you're talking to Quebecers, a lot, it's almost like they don't think of themselves as being a part of Canada, I mean, not really. Yeah, they realize they are, technically, but they don't really feel or think of it that way. They are Quebecers and they live in Quebec. That other amorphous blob of colour on the map around Quebec is not something they put much thought into. In fact, until recently you'd have a hard time finding anyone from Quebec who knew much or cared much about federal politics beyond what they think of as Quebec's 'rights' being observed and Quebec getting the money they feel it is owed.

[cybercoma]

All the provinces have ambitions of sovereignty though. The people within might not think so and may see themselves as "Canadian", but the provinces are constantly trying to keep the federal government from stepping on their toes. I know that doesn't speak of the people and I take your point that Quebeckers are much more "nationalist" than other Canadians, but I don't think it's as much of a big deal as others make it out to be.

[Smallc]

I know that doesn't speak of the people and I take your point that Quebeckers are much more "nationalist" than other Canadians, but I don't think it's as much of a big deal as others make it out to be.

It's really not a big deal. Quebecers are Canadians, and they can feel however they want to about this country.

[Shwa]

To my mind, the better way to do this is to set up a citizens assembly. People in this country have an inherent (and not unwarranted) distrust of politicians mucking around in the constitution. Let the people guide the way, rather than having deals cut in kitchens. It means the politicians have to let go of the reigns, but i can't imagine anyone thinking that a bad idea.

Which plays nicely into the idea of a Royal Commission with a 3-5 year mandate to go find out. As much as others believe that young Quebecoise are soft on nationalism, I believe a lot of young Canadians are not as uptight about associative deals with Quebec.

[ninjandrew]

It's really not a big deal. Quebecers are Canadians, and they can feel however they want to about this country.

I've wondered how their thoughts on sovereignty would've differed if we'd beat them to it and said "Quebec, we're getting rid of you. You're on your own now."

[wyly]

Which plays nicely into the idea of a Royal Commission with a 3-5 year mandate to go find out. As much as others believe that young Quebecoise are soft on nationalism, I believe a lot of young Canadians are not as uptight about associative deals with Quebec.

I used to have problems with Quebec when I was younger but now I think what does it matter...they're different than us if we need to accommodate their culture to keep them in the federation let's do it, their cultural desires make canada a better place...