Do you think quebec should be its own country?

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Paul L

It would be pointless from an economic point of view for Quebec to be an independent country. The Province has preserved its heritage and culture. Since the Quebec Act, the Province has been given special status with in the Confederation of Canada. Quebec would have to establish foreign embassies, establish international treaties and trade agreements on its own. It would have to create and fund its own health care system, educational system, retirement funds and defence. The Province is secure at the moment and enjoys a good standard of living while maintaining her cultural traditions not found elsewhere in Canada. Quebec is a unique culture, but then again the Maritime provinces also have unique cultures as do every other province in Canada.

SteveN

When you look at businesses that are in operation today, most of the successful ones have made attempts to expand or merge with other companies to allow them access to more capital, more buying power, more services.

I think it is a little naive to believe the politicians when they promise that a separate Quebec would be able to offer its citizens better service and a better way of life. I don't think any of them have ever told the Quebec people the estimated costs for doing so or dealt with possible ways that it would work. They just float the idea out every election.

I live in the North Shore (Montreal) area and our neighbour is a self-proclaimed separatist. He is a very pleasant fellow and we help each other out. We asked him one time why he is a supporter of separation, and his answer was "well we tried it the other way and it hasn't been working, why not give it a shot?" It seemed a rather casual approach to possibly affecting (for better or worse) the economy and lifestyle of not only yourself, but all Canadians.

I also think that logistically, it is very difficult to have a country formed within the heart of a "parent" country. If Quebec were to separate, you would effectively create three countries, not two. The maritime provinces would be cut off from the rest of Canada, as they would have to cross Quebec to get to Ontario or western Canada. The only other country I know of configured in this manner is the Vatican, and that does not really affect transportation and business in Italy, as there is the ability to bypass the Vatican...you do not HAVE to go through it.

Imagine (worst case scenario) that the economy starts to deteriorate in Quebec after separation. What is to stop them from imposing duties and usage fees for any traffic on the railways, roads, and airspace over the country of Quebec? Boats would not be able to sail down the St. Lawrence Seaway as it would pass through Quebec, who could then impose massive fees for using that corridor.

Do you think the rest of Canada (or USA for that matter) would sit idly by as these taxes and fees were leveed? It could justify the use of military force and potentially be the start of a "civil" war.

And it is ironic that when Quebec was voting to separate and was arguing that it had the right to do so, the leaders of Quebec flatly refused to listen to the rights of Kahnawake or Kanesatake indian reserves to break away from Quebec! What's good for the goose is apparently not good for the gander...

Lili B

Why not. If the people feel its what they want and need... As for economic reasons, lets not get dramatic. Sure, the economy will probably get a little worse, but Quebec isn't going to become a third world country either. Plus, its very unlikely its going to cut all ties with Canada: the money will stay the same, most laws will be kept, doubtful border crossings will be installed...
The best really would be for Quebec to stay in Canada but with almost full independence from the federal government. Unfortunately, the Canada likes to put its nose into everything.

Bluelady...

No, United we stand, divided we fall.

bettyflintstone

honestly I do - some quebecers gripe too much about Canada this Canada that, diversity blah blah. If they don't with to embrace and be proud of the country they are in, then go for it. I believe if Quebec ever did separate, the country they create couldn't compare to the one they left behind...that's the only way for them to learn.

Bob D

As proud I am of Canada and it's diversity, and as much as I hope Quebec never separates, I can understand why they want their own self-determination. Our Federal governments have historically tried to go out of their way to appease those that want to leave , sometimes to the chagrin of western provinces. I personally believe that if a province was able to join in the confederation, then they obviously have the right to opt out if they so desire. How they would deal with the native population that have better claims to the land than the French is another story and i would hate to see them go. Quebec is a beautiful province with some great people. All I would ask from the ones there that want to separate from Canada is that they think about what may happen to the Maritimes if they were isolated from the rest of the country. We have been here and part of this great country even longer than you as the early explorers settled here before going on into what is now Quebec. A Nation is only as strong as the sum of all parts and Quebec has been a vital cog in the Canadian machine. But... They should have the right to leave ..

Shamrocks

Couldn't care less.

bubbles

for one reason ya,why do they have to talk in a different language in one country

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