The trouble with Quebec
May 6, 2007 · By Joel
Just before the last election, I read this:
If the Conservatives win power in Ottawa while remaining the third or fourth party in Quebec (far behind the Liberals and the Bloc Quebecois), that is going to increase pressure in Quebec for more autonomy at the very least, and probably outright independence. It’s hard to think of a Conservative policy that would not be unpopular with the vast majority of the Quebec electorate. With Harper in charge in Ottawa, many Quebeckers are going to think they have little or nothing in common with the Canadian government and wonder why they should be ruled by it. Foreign policy would become a major issue, especially if Harper tries to lead Canada into another Afghanistan. That could be the final straw. Even if he doesn’t, the two nations will clearly be moving in different directions and a split might be inevitable, sooner or later.
So why am I linking to this now?
Because it’s not about Quebec, and it’s not about Harper. It’s about David Cameron and Scotland:
If the Conservatives win power at Westminster while remaining the third or fourth party in Scotland (far behind Labour and the SNP), that is going to increase pressure in Scotland for more autonomy at the very least, and probably outright independence. It’s hard to think of a Conservative policy that would not be unpopular with the vast majority of the Scottish electorate. With Cameron and Osbourne in charge in London, many Scots are going to think they have little or nothing in common with the British government and wonder why they should be ruled by it. Foreign policy would become a major issue, especially if Cameron tries to lead Britain into another Iraq. That could be the final straw. Even if he doesn’t, the two nations will clearly be moving in different directions and a split might be inevitable, sooner or later.
At the link, see an analysis of how Cameron can, in fact, win over Scotland by leveraging his relationship with the presumptive First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, and by devolving fiscal responsibility to the Scottish parliament.
Interesting parallels, and I’m sure there will be more as the Scottish separatism question plays out.
OK Mr. Harper and New Scotland I can understand but Scotland?
As for your comments about Quebec who cares Harper will have no problem in Quebec or any other part of Canada come our next fixed election date. That is ofcourse if he Stands up for Canada and Canadians and puts Canada and all Canadians first and does what is right for them first and for most. If he decides to put the Big Banks, Big Oil and Big Business first and for most then he should buy a nice cotage on the beach because he will not be PM after the next election. It is clearly up to him, the question is what does he want does he want Canada and Canadian First ?
Quebec will never be happy…no matter what. C’est tout.
Maybe we could trade Scotland for Quebec?
Quebec, please leave!
CPP, please leave!