So, you wanted the opinion of a Quebecois? Well, I’ll give you mine, but it won’t be much different from the ones on this thread, since I think separation would throw us in an economic and political pit from which it would take us years to come out of.
Anyway, where I can add something new to this discussion is on the concept of cultural diversity. “Je me souviens”. Yes, it is on our licence plates. It means, “I will remember” for all of you non-French speaking T-men. Everyone has a different explanation for this phrase. Nothing is official. Some people think it relates to the French defeat but I don’t. I see it has a way of reminding us of our origins, of where we come from. This might seem stupid for most of you, but remember that how different you might think you are, the rest of Canada and US originally comes from Britain. But not us. We were French, and now we are Quebecois. This is a big deal for us. Not only do we use a different language, but we also think and act different. For example, every time there is a poll in Canada, the results show a great difference between Quebec and the rest of Canada whatever the question of the poll. Sometimes, our opinion is the opposite of our fellow Canadians especially on subjects like abortion, euthanasia, same sex marriage, the army and war. For example, the new leader of the Parti Quebecois (the party that is for independence) will probably be a gay ex-cocaine user. And frankly, we couldn’t care less, and probably see this as a good thing. So yes, we are different than the rest of North America. Much more than “rednecks” vs “yankees”, East coast vs West coast, city vs country and southerner vs northerner.
But, the main question here is “Is this enough to be willing to ask for independence from Canada?” For me, the obvious answer is no. Cultural identity is a personal thing. If I decide to start speaking in English with my family, I will. And nothing the government do will stop me. If I am not proud of where I come from and of who I am today, well independence will not change that. I don’t think we are in danger of losing our identity. And I live in Montreal, the biggest (and only) melting pot in the province, so I would be in the first row to notice any anti-French movement or changes. We will never lose our culture, no matter what happens. People who are afraid of this are just insecure.
The big problem in Quebec is that the bulk of the “yes” voters don’t think. They refuse to see the economic disaster that would arise with independence. They are looking for a salvation that is not needed. They are young people that have been brainwashed since their childhood. Politicians know that, and they use it to gain access into history books. The provincial Prime Minister who will make Quebec a country will be remembered forever! And I am not saying the Parti Quebecois never did anything good. Over the last 30 years, they changed the face of our province and helped resuscitate our pride. In the 70s, before they came, there was indeed a problem with cultural assimilation. But laws were passed and everything changed. Now, everything has to be written in French, which is normal since our official language is French, not English. The only other province who as French(with English) as an official language is New Brunswick. I don’t know why people complain. Would you be surprised if you went to Portugal and you couldn’t be served in English? Hell, I would be happy to no there is something this different so close to home, if I lived in the US or elsewhere in Canada). Anyway, I’m getting away of the message I want to pass, which is that an independent Quebec is an utopia. It just cannot work. Back in 1995, there were talks of what would happen if the “Yes” won. It was proposed that we would keep canadian institutions, like the post and the money, kind of like Liechtenstein and Switzerland. But, with a country of 6 million individuals, this would be just impossible. Also, Canada would be so pissed at us since we fucked their country that they wouldn’t allow us. So, for all the reasons that you mentionned in this thread, we would basically be doomed if the “Yes” passed.
Sadly, in 2 years, a new government will be elected, and this will probably be the Parti Quebecois, since the Liberals just fucked up so many things in the last 2 years. So, this means we will probably have a new referendum, and my guess is it will pass. It was too close last time, and with the federal government scandals, a lot of people changed their mind in the past years. Also, most of the new electors (late teens, early 20s) are pro-independence. So, what will happen? Exodus. On a personnal note, it will be difficult for me for a number of reasons. One is I love my province and its inhabitants (yes, we do have the most beautiful women). Another is my career, since I wouldn’t be recognized (protectionism toward local MDs in other countries…), since if I leave Quebec, I will leave Canada also, because they will be in a hole too.
If you have other questions about Quebec’s political climate, don’t hesitate. There are enough brilliant Quebequers on T-nation to answer everything.
Remz
PS. I know I should disregard all of paul bunyan’s posts, but no separation without bloodshed, come on!! You don’t remember the Velvet Revolution in 1989? My guess is you weren’t born yet…