Scots are headed to the polls on Sept. 18 to vote on one question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?" Canada is home to 4.7 million people of Scottish descent so we decided to ask some of them whether they would vote yes or no, and why.( For a primer on the vote, including what would happen if either side wins, click here.)
I'd vote YES
Fraser Robertson, Vancouver
Permanent Canadian resident for seven years. Family lives in Scotland.
“I strongly believe that Scotland should be governed by people who live and work in Scotland. We have a wealth of natural resources and a strong economy. We shouldn't be an afterthought of a country down south with a different agenda. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity that we should grab with both hands.”
Douglas McArthur, Vancouver
Family emigrated in 1914
“Scotland has for many years suffered the fate of being on the periphery of a very centralized state and economy. As a separate national entity, it will develop its own vibrant centre that will become a magnet for investment, knowledge industries and high-value-added jobs and enterprise.”
Robin Muir, Toronto
Emigrated twice, first in 1948 and again in 1964
“To be better represented in parliament and have your political views more accurately represented. Better chance of your voice being heard in a population of five million versus 63 million. Scotland's ails haven't been fixed in 300 years of union so here's a chance to have a greater say in fixing them.”
Robert Clark, Toronto
Emigrated in April, 2014
“Scottish people are some of the most talented people in the world. Unfortunately, the best talent leaves Scotland as we have so many educated and skilled people that there aren’t enough skilled jobs available for us all. The youth will continue to look at going to Australia, Canada, England and the U.S. Only a yes vote can create new jobs in Scotland. Being part of the U.K. machine means that foreign companies look at the U.K. corporation tax and say, ‘no thank you, we will invest elsewhere.’”
Valerie Rodd, Coldwater, Ont.
Family emigrated in 1957
“Scotland is not properly represented in Westminster where all the decisions are made. My mother country was not easily conquered by the English and because of that legacy there is a definite sense of sadness that permeates from generation to generation.”
I'd vote NO
Michael MacCallum, West Vancouver
Emigrated in 1963 with every intention of returning after a couple of years. Cupid determined I stay!
“Scots have flourished as part of the U.K. for the past 300 years. They have hit well above their weight philosophically, politically, militarily and economically. It has been the broader stage of the U.K. that has allowed them to do so well. The current bid for independence is a crude bid to get a bigger share of North Sea oil revenues.”
Douglas North, Ontario
Family emigrated in the 1890s
“This is an act of ego, not practicality, and frankly I don't get why. Scots cannot say they are culturally oppressed. Frankly we get laughed at by Scots who come over [to Canada] and say we are more Scottish than them with all our clan pins and what have you.”
Margaret Haddock, Toronto
Emigrated in 1972
“I am very proud to be Scottish, but I feel that independence would create a false sense of wealth for an otherwise depressed country. I'm not sure that the Scottish Nationals have given full thought to the repercussions of being an independent country of five million people, or to the costs involved in creating a thriving nation. Scotland is the ‘great’ part of Great Britain. Besides, I don't really want to have, yet, another passport! Two is quite enough, thanks.”
Barbara Gilmore, Vancouver
Emigrated in 2006. Parents and sibling live in Scotland.
“Scotland has its own Parliament and so from a political perspective it now has much greater control over its own destiny. It is not economically powerful enough to sustain independence. A yes vote reopens old wounds with England. Valuable jobs and talented people will leave. Scotland is a relatively small country and from an economic and military perspective would be vulnerable.”
Bob Vincent, Winnipeg
Grandmother emigrated sometime in the first decade of 20th century
“The economics make no sense. Why would a nation encumber itself with the horrendous cost of a whole body of civil servants fulfilling a parallel function to one that already exists and the cost of which is shared with tens of millions of others? Taxes, on this basis alone, will be greater than the taxes being paid at the present time.”
Matthew Johnston, Toronto
Family emigrated in the 1960s
“Scotland has been treated very well inside the U.K., receiving more than their share of government spending. Their gripes are historical, wrapped up in a storm of emotional mythology. When has a country ever broken up easily? Splitting up would have enormous costs and can easily turn ugly. I think Scotland needs to work on its feelings.”
Andrew Forster, Cambridge, Ont.
Emigrated in 1980
“The campaign seems to be more about individual electioneering than nation building. The leaders do not have credibility as visionaries, on either side of the debate or on either side of the border. There are many unanswered questions, an important one for expatriates being: Who will hold Scottish citizenship? Will my children be Scottish because they were born there, but not me, because I wasn't?”