(Quebec) Please don't destroy this thread: Help for a political noobie

[Slimfast]

I have a debate in my socials class over the quebec seperatism issue. Now it may be due to the fact that I'm a relatively new Canadian, or just plain ignorant, but I know next to nothing on the topic. I've searched around and read some things and so far I've gathered that the people who don't want quebec to seperate want to do so because they want to keep Canada as a united nation and the separtists don't believe that their special status is being recognized. (Correct me if I'm wrong.)

Now I don't want to turn this thread into a flame-fest, as from what I've read, I gather this is a emotionally-charged topic. But can someone explain to me the two sides of the argument?

Thanks a lot guys. I know there's a lot of smart and politically-minded people on this board and just wanted to see what some of you have to say.

(BTW: My teacher told me I had to argue this from a right-wing point of view, whatever that means.)

[asim99]

start here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec#History

and here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereignty-association

[Traian2003]

Our money (mint) is printed in Quebec, now who would keep the current mint. Us or them?

[stevethewheel]

Wow. This has potential as you've identified. I work in an office that has a lot of people who move globally and most of them really struggle to understand the "Quebec thing". I try not to explain any of it in public, partly because there is no one explanation that will not cause a ruckus.

Canada has done more to recognize two different cultural groups than any other country I know of. It is very official, and very overt.

I think that most Canadians who want to keep the country whole believe that it works well enough as it is right now, and a breakup would be worse. As you have by now realized the country is huge, people and resources are in 'pockets' and there is a lot of transfer going on between pockets.

For separatists the issue is deeper than just a lack of recognition. Separatists believe that they don't get the control and right to self-determination that they deserve. How they motivate followers is the usual politics....some truth and some facts mixed with generous helpings of dreams, emotional catch-phrases and exaggeration.

If you need to quickly come up with a solid political base to take to class then go here:

http://www.rocler.qc.ca/turp/eng/Road/Road.htm

EDIT - it is interesting to note that this rosy political document has key historical touch points which paint the rest of Canada as somewhat intolertant but entirely leaves out the key dates and activities of the FLQ.

[Slimfast]

Thanks a lot guys. Great help. I know most of the stuff in the wikipedia links from last year's class, but the Quebec thing just eludes me. While I was in Shanghai for the summer, one of my co-workers at an English school was from Quebec and she strongly believed in a seperate. I never probed too deeply because I was always afraid of offending her in some way.

Edit: Does anyone know the Canadian Conservative's stance on Quebec?

[stevethewheel]

I never probed too deeply because I was always afraid of offending her in some way.

My experience as an English guy who worked with subsidiaries in Quebec is that separatists love to explain the vision and what their beefs are. You can ask lots of questions if there are like only 1 or 2 of them and not worry too much about insults - they are used to the discussions, it's been going on for over 100 years haha. If there are any separatists in your class you'll hear it now.

[Slimfast]

Haha. One of my buddies is a 1st generation Canadian with a family from France and after a trip to quebec, he had a strong dislike for quebeckers. He said that whenever he tried to speak French, the quebeckers recognized his parisian accent and were rather cold to him. But being all the way here in BC, I doubt there are any separatists. (Unless we're talking about seperation of the west)

[wiggy]

Edit: Does anyone know the Canadian Conservative's stance on Quebec?

We can't win here.

[devious9191]

Our money (mint) is printed in Quebec, now who would keep the current mint. Us or them?

Why do you say that? Our bills are printed by Canadian Bank Note, which is a private company contracted by the government to print them.. I'm under the impression that their head office is in Ottawa, though I have no idea where their bills are printed (and it doesn't matter one way or the other..). And coins are produced by the mint, also in Ottawa.

[ylikone]

Saying you have to approach the issue from the right-wing probably means "Speak english and shut-up". Right-wingers are very non-tolerant and don't like when people whine about their rights. For right-wingers, corporations and money rule the world, that is really all that is important. (although, many right-wingers won't admit this is what they believe)