One Canada, two nations

[MightyAC]

Harper has always wanted to give the provinces more power and autonomy. This unsupported, slick little manoeuvre may in the short term buy him some votes in Quebec and in time achieve his goal.

[geoffrey]

Harper has always wanted to give the provinces more power and autonomy. This unsupported, slick little manoeuvre may in the short term buy him some votes in Quebec and in time achieve his goal.

This doesn't give anyone power or autonomy. This gives sepertists in Quebec a moral advantage.

[MightyAC]

Harper has always wanted to give the provinces more power and autonomy. This unsupported, slick little manoeuvre may in the short term buy him some votes in Quebec and in time achieve his goal.

This doesn't give anyone power or autonomy. This gives sepertists in Quebec a moral advantage.

Aye, I agree that it doesn't give anyone power or autonomy right now....that's why I sad "in time". I believe seperatists will use this new little bit of leverage to pry a little more money, services and autonomy out of Ottawa. It's only a matter of time before the other provinces demand equal treatment. Although Alberta, BC, Newfoundland, etc may not push to be recognized as nations (even though I believe they could, hell the Newfies even have their own language) this motion gets the ball rolling in the direction of greater provincial power.

[g_bambino]

This doesn't give anyone power or autonomy. This gives sepertists in Quebec a moral advantage.

Aye, I agree that it doesn't give anyone power or autonomy right now....that's why I sad "in time". I believe seperatists will use this new little bit of leverage to pry a little more money, services and autonomy out of Ottawa. It's only a matter of time before the other provinces demand equal treatment. Although Alberta, BC, Newfoundland, etc may not push to be recognized as nations (even though I believe they could, hell the Newfies even have their own language) this motion gets the ball rolling in the direction of greater provincial power.

There's been no shift in the relationship between the provinces. The motion of the House didn't deem Quebec to be a nation, it said the Québecois are a nation. The inability of anyone to define what a Québecois is will, I think, be what undermines any attempt by sovereigntists to demand more independence, money, or what-have-you. How can you demand more for something that you can't quantify?

[MightyAC]

There's been no shift in the relationship between the provinces. The motion of the House didn't deem Quebec to be a nation, it said the Québecois are a nation. The inability of anyone to define what a Québecois is will, I think, be what undermines any attempt by sovereigntists to demand more independence, money, or what-have-you. How can you demand more for something that you can't quantify?

Do you seriously think seperatists will stop now? I'm willing to bet that the Bloc will soon push to label the province of Quebec as a nation or to officially recognize all inhabitants of Quebec as Québecois. They will clarify this "unquantifiable" definition into something concrete. Something they couldn't have done if this motion was not proposed.

Quebec has been angling for and receiving special deals and autonomy prior to being a "distinct society" and a "nation". It has already been angering other provinces and will continue to do so as they use their new little wedge to pry some more. In time others will push for equality and the powers of the provinces will be increased.

[Hydraboss]

I would love to see Kwebek labelled a "nation" instead of a province. They seem to be good at getting what they want, while at the same time setting precedent for other provinces. I'd sooner see them pay the bills both financially and politically for doing the work and paving the way for eventual Alberta seperation.

Go Kwebek!!!!

[seabee]

Québec is part of Can-eh-d'oh!

Insults can be traded.

[jbg]

Canada is huge, too big and too diverse to govern centrally. Harper may have made an ok move here, but only if he extends it too all provinces, and recongises provincial sovereignty over all cultural issues.

Then why isn't the US "too big and too diverse to govern centrally"?

[jdobbin]

Then why isn't the US "too big and too diverse to govern centrally"?

Some people have said for years that it is and that it should be divided into superstates. Some Republicans have been keen on that idea for a while now.

[skyclad]

What is a Quebcois?

quite simple,

1) your ancestors had to of come on the boats from France, up to the time of the Plains of Abraham battle.

2) must be able to trace both sides of your family back to that small group in point 1), no mixes as: French/Irish, French, French Hiatian etc...

As for the USA, I foresee 5 separate nation within 200 years.

[Borg]

By the time the legal beagles and the supreme court get done with things - and it is coming - there will be numerous nations in Canada - all screaming for money and rights. And money and rights and money and rights........

We have possibly ripped the fabric - if there ever was one - of this country and no one has the intestinal fortitude to repair it.

Borg

[abcon99]

Who cares, saying it means nothing and it gets the subject off the table. The Quebecois are a nation, and that is worth some pride, but not a red cent. Prime Minister Harper is correct, and Michael Chong is too prissy about word play.