Following the announcement by the Harper government to recognize Quebec as a nation, allow me, dear readers, to express my reservations about such an initiative and what would have been the avenue most inclusive for all.
First, it is important to define what a nation. The dictionary is a nation " a human group established important generally in the same area, sharing a sense of belonging, as well as historical, linguistic, cultural or religious more or less common. It is now time to take each term in the definition and establish its scope. A group
important human
What is meant by a human group important? Is it by number or the relative importance of group over another? This term is not clear. One way or another, we can agree that people who live in the province of Quebec are an important group of human beings ... as those living in Ontario, or even all Canadians (including Quebec). In short, we did not quite fill with these terms. Established
generally the same area
The large majority of Quebecers are established on the territory of Quebec. The large majority of Canadians (or even French-Canadians) are based in Canada. Again, we are not moving much.
Sharing a sense of belonging
Is that all Quebec residents who say Quebec? The answer is no. According to various surveys, between 20 and 25% of the inhabitants of the Province of Quebec define themselves as Quebecers only. In contrast between 20 and 25% of Quebecers are defined as only Canadian (and me). Balance, these are combinations of both. Then the feeling of belonging to Quebec frankly default. It is even more lacking when we consider that Scotland is 60 to 70% of the population is said only Scots, and about 8% of people who define themselves exclusively British. In Catalonia, it is essentially the same rate (vis-à-vis Spain). In contrast, the sense of French Canadian already existed, till the '60s, where French-speaking Quebecers decided they had the monopoly of the French language in America. This claim is obviously false. Even in Canada, Quebec is not the only place where he speaks French. Think of the Acadia (and the fact that 33% of residents of New Brunswick Francophones). Think of Eastern Ontario, think of several places in Manitoba where he speaks French. We could also list other areas of America where he speaks French but, apart from the French the state of New York and Louisiana, the French presence is not related to the history of Canada. In sum, it is true that unity is strength, francophone Quebecers have every reason to rally to francophones from across Canada to talk about a more united voice. These Francophones also the feeling of being linked to francophone Quebecers, and several French-speaking Quebecers feel connected to the Canadian Francophonie. In fact, the only French-speaking Quebecers who deny this link are the spokesmen of the Aryan race in Quebec. We can conclude from a sense of belonging among French Canadians.
historical ties more or less common
It is true that each province has its own history, its scale. But since 1867, it is also true that all Canadians share a common history. In fact, one should consider that all Canadians share the same history since 1759 (date of the French defeat at the Plains of Abraham) or so from the Paris Act of 1763. Thus was born a coexistence between two peoples. Otherwise, note that the result of French colonization happens to be all Francophones in Canada (and also those who immigrated to the United States. In the latter case, it is true that they belonged to the French Canadian nation today is much more debatable). The Acadians were indeed a part of their history that we do not (that is, deportation) but francophone Quebecers have the same ancestors as the Acadians (and in other provinces). It is indisputable that all French-Canadians had historical links.
links more or less common language
When you know that 25% of Quebecers do not speak French, it is strongly aspire to dare to claim the existence a Quebecois nation, by implying that it is necessarily speaking. Otherwise, if we decide that Quebecers are either English or French, so why not simply speak of the Canadian nation? In saying that, I just give hives to all members of Quebec for Francophone WASP. In contrast, almost all French Canadians speak French. The language link is respected in this case.
Cultural links
more or less common language is often associated with culture is well known. Let's talk about culture. Bearing in mind the book " Sensitivities of the 36 Quebec by Jacques Bouchard, one realizes that the large roots of Quebecers are French root, root Catholic, North American, Latin, the earth and the minority. Of course, this book provides context for the French-speaking Quebec, but by extrapolation, it becomes clear that the same root apply to all French Canadians!
Also in the cultural field, we must recognize the Quebec Francophone cultural production. However, it would demonstrate a blatant chauvinism by setting aside the productions of other artists Canadian Francophonie (as Wilfred, Roch Voisine, Marie-Jo Thériault, Edith Butler, etc..) or do as Guy A. Lepage "Everybody talks about it" and assimilate as Quebecers, as was the case with the Franco-Ontarian singer Veronique Dicaire. Incidentally, let us remember Guy A. Lepage is precisely one of those who believe that Quebec has the monopoly of French America, also massacred can speak their mother tongue.
religious ties more or less common
Since the 60s, both Canada and Quebec has been a secularization of its important institutions, like the Church has lost its influence on governance. However, the fact remains that 88% of Quebeckers are Roman Catholics, practicing or not. In francophone Quebec, the proportion is much higher. In fact, almost all French Canadians are Roman Catholics. Again, by simple observation, we find that all French Canadians are very common religious ties.
In summary, I think the gesture was essentially Stephen Harper votes. It is no wonder, once again, the discontent of francophones in other provinces (and this is not the first time that Francophones outside Quebec do not endorse the attitude of the nationalist Québécocentristes) as outlined in this article: http://www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20061128/CPACTUALITES/61128210/5032/CPACTUALITES. I also understand the indignation of Denise Charlottetown Melançon believes that the said motion "should include all of French Canada and also include me, as a francophone de l'Île-du-Prince Edward Island." To this effect, see the chart you will find http : / / www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20061129/CPACTUALITES/611290714/1019/CPACTUALITES.
I can only agree. As has been demonstrated in this text, QUEBEC IS NOT A NATION. Francophone Quebecers have to identify with the French Canadian nation, which its existence is indisputable. In short, rather than indulge in excessive narcissism, I call on all French-speaking Quebec to reconnect with the Canadian Francophonie as a whole and their stand together, as they will be with us during any negotiations on constitutional come.
