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The big 4-0-0

RHÉAL SÉGUIN

From Saturday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 12:39 AM EST 05/01/08

Rhéal Séguin on the Canadian event of the year: Quebec City's 400th birthday ...Read the full article

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  1. nigel martin from Canada writes: If this event was being held in Toronto (logically impossible of course)would it also be under the travel section? This is a significant piece of Canadian celebrating; the first city in Canada to have existed for 400 years. Everything about that fact affects Canada, our culture, our politics, our definition of self.
  2. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: nigel martin:-- You are correct, but unfortunately the organizers have mishandled the 'buzz'. The NGC has contributed $40 million to the organizing committee, which appears to have bungled the marketing. Even the controversy over whether QEII was invited, declined an invitation, wasn't invited at all has failed to ignite interest. It's really too bad. The lack of overtures to the ROC may be attributed by some as a cold shoulder.
  3. Rona Baird-Zundel from Arvida, Canada writes: Too bad that Harper lacks the requisite backbone to invite the queen, as well a regular prime minister would. He's afraid that Quebeckers may boo or else feel colonized. Quebeckers are smarter and more mature than Harper gives them credit for. A lost opportunity to strengthen the ties that bind us in favour of outdated hoary Reform boogie-men. C'est dommage.
  4. Bergeil DeBungie from Victoria, Canada writes: Bon fete Quebec!
  5. Louise Pharand Doren from Toronto, Canada writes: I'd like to see Conan O'Brien come back!!!

    Our 400th is an amazing milestone, and anyone is welcome to celebrate for any of the reasons cited above - whether there wouldn't be a Canada otherwise, whether like the rest of the world and UNESCO you believe Quebec city is simply stunning and worth celebrating... or for one more party!

    But on the question of etiquette about QEII, I have nothing against the queen but a gallant gesture would be for the victorious side to acknowledge and send its best wishes without necessarily a boorish representation in light of the festivities that would only serve to remind us of old battles. The queen's representatives of yore have always been considerate of our feelings. Send the Governor General! Or the younger princes & princesses, ?
  6. Andrew Watt from Ireland writes: It's also the 400th anniversary of Canada, unless you believe that we weren't really up to anything here before July 1, 1867.
  7. Louise Pharand Doren from Toronto, Canada writes:
    To Let-me-tell...

    Brock built the walls but to what purpose? To defend against the American Revolutionaries. Had they won, would you consider hosting Bush at your celebration, of course if it were a CANADIAN city (pfff)? Maybe you would, you've obviously joined them! The bottom line is we haven't stopped loving the land we came to, and are in no way a carbon copy of anything. Funny how a little originality, mistaken for arrogance, really irks some... Accuse us of a little 'nombrilisme' - yes, granted. But when the French came here, to many it meant a New World. It hasn't lost its charm to us. We revel in it still! Too bad we can't get you to see things our way, to getfellow Canadians to slow down and enjoy, not rush headfirst into debilitating change but to savour and take pride.
    C'est la vie! Que voulez-vous?
  8. Jimmy Stewart from Canada writes: In response to Rona Baird-Zundel comments... Rona - Give your head a shake. The LPC is the party that has taken every opportunity to remove the Queen of Canada from the Canadian political sphere by removing her from the walls of Langevin Block, Government office buildings, etc. It was also the godfather of these Liberals who contemplated a Canadian republic. It is the current PM who has stood in the House of Commons and said he is a proud monarchist. This is not the forum to debate the Canadian monarchy, but don't for a minute dare argue that the current government didn't seriously weight the merit of inviting the Queen.
  9. B Rok from Toronto, Canada writes: Truth be told, the city is dull. Go for the weekend, but don't plan a weekend around it. Regardless, if you're looking for charm, you'll certainly find it at either the Gap or the McDonald's in the walled city, both lovely and unique establishments.
  10. Vianney Prud'homme from Montreal, Canada writes: It should be a great occasion for all Canadians (including Quebecers) to get back to their roots,to learn the history of their country,to visit their museums and even to get interested in genealogy (as I do).We have so much in common! Quebec je t'aime et j'irai te visiter plusieurs fois en 2008.

    Au plaisir!
  11. J L from Toronto, Canada writes: Quebec City is not marketed enough! Quebec City is the most beautiful city in Canada! I know that is not saying much considering Canada is not known for picturesque towns and cities. I mean, we look terrible next to the beautiful towns and cities of Europe but Quebec City is the only true exception - it is a stunning place. And because it is so great and has a glorious history we should promote it as such morseo than we have.

    I believe that most of the events scheduled for the 400th B-Day should have been concentrated in 1 two-week period in the summer - A huge event to draw people from all over the world!
  12. Louis de Broglie from East Island., Vanuatu writes: I wish I could find something nice to say about Q.C., but unfortunately I found most in Quebec to be either arrogant or ignorant;

    Sometimes, often, both.
  13. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Jimmy Stewart:-- I happened to catch Lloyd Robertson and Robert Fife interviewing Mr. Harper. The matter of the Queen was raised. To suggest an image of Mr. Harper squirming on his chair doesn't really cut it, but he ducked, evaded, faked, weaved, and blew smoke. The Queen didn't ask to be invited, apparently. Maybe.
  14. Tim Robinson from Hoylake, United Kingdom writes: I suppose they will have to lift the raysist sign laws and put up a few English signs to tell people where to go. Quebec is quite good at telling people where to go.
  15. bruce t from Boston, United States writes: Gorgeous city! Happy B-day Quebec! Always have an amazing time when I visit.
    Hmmm Interesting there is a day to celebrate the relations with the US around the 4th of July but none indicated for Canada Day??? Did I miss read, has the Globe left that out?
  16. Jacques Gagné from Montréal, Canada writes: These festivities are for the founding of Quebec first settlement by the French. It's not to celebrate the province of Quebec and for sure not to celebrate Canada. The British government was not involved in 1608 and neither the Anglos. So, it's plain and simple, Quebec City is having a celebration for it's founding and if you want to join the party you are welcome. If you want to make a political statement out of it, stay home. And for the proud Canadians that lives in this country for many years or even born here, if you can't read street signs in French well to bad, do as we did, haven't we learn to read yours?
  17. Paul C from Toronto, Canada writes: A great Canadian city - and a great place to visit. Congrats.
  18. Gord Lewis from ROCVille, Canada writes: Tim Robinson . . . I can see how you would be intimidated by the French language when you have trouble spelling in English.

    And to the other posters complaining about this or that, well, I am an Anglophone who spent 5 years in Montreal without one significant 'racist' incident. Fortunately I do not carry the baggage of long-time Quebec Anglos who had a major persecution complex. Quality of life was good there (at lower cost than Ontario), and had two kids born in French hospitals (despite being warned away by paranoid Anglos). My kids went through 100% French schools here in Ontario, and it has opened their horizons far beyond mine. Road signs? You will find fewer in the USA.

    As they say, 'when in Rome, do as the Romans'. C'est la vie . . . the language law is (or at least was) necessary.

    Quebec City is my favourite in Canada and I hope to get there again this year. My only regret? That France lost N. America . . .
  19. WC Dieno from Canada writes: Good Luck with your celebrations Quebec ..... no Quebec no Canada ... I just hope our CBC has enough sense to deliver the product of Quebec celebration from coast to coast to coast .... so bring it on.
  20. Duorp Naidanac from Canada writes: Went to Quebec City a few years ago with my family, we got second rate service everywhere and sometimes just ignored in restuarants, just because we didn't speak french well enough (even though we tried). Never again...

    Went to Paris for a couple of weeks, apart from a surly reception at the entrance to the Eiffiel Tower, when trying to buy entrance tickets, treated very well by everyone else. Had a great time; planning another visit to Paris soon.
  21. Carolyn Bongiorno from Glenham,NY, United States writes: The Queen of Canada? After all that finger wagging at us Yanks, it seems you haven't extricated yourself from certain outside influences.
    Congratulations on 400 years to the Quebecois.
  22. jojo savard from Canada writes: to french speaking canada, as to india, ireland, and jamaica, the queen is the head of a group of greedy violent elitists who invaded, occupied, exploited, and marginalised other groups. I sincerely hope she does visit quebec city, i would love to hop on a plane and join the protest. Get her off our money and put Champlain the 20 dollar bill, he is the TRUE father of Canada.
  23. David Smith from Toronto, Canada writes: Het Jojo.... now you can tell us of the great love that the Moroccans, Algerians, Cambodians, Vietnamese, etc. had for a country very near to Britain ..... and i could add that the Spanish, Portugese and Dutch joined the Brits and the French in a general exploitation of the rest of the planet from 1492 onwards.

    However, your nonsense aside, the big question is if Sarko is coming to town and bigger yet, will he bring along the new squeeze?!
  24. Vianney Prud'homme from Montreal, Canada writes: How stupid some people are on this forum! Why let the Queen divide us once again? She is a nice person and has nothing to do with all that. The only problem is that she represents the British Monarchy and that we didn't choose to live under such a regime.It came along with the 'package deal' and we should get rid of all that.Only then we shall be a 'nation' of it's own!

    And for those 'dinosaurs' who can't read signs in French and make complaints
    on the French hospitality of Quebec City: stay home bunch of rednecks!...And
    keep on thinking that everyone in the word should be on their knees to serve you because you are (or speak) English.
  25. Duorp Naidanac from Canada writes: Speaking as a 'dinosaur' Vianney Prud'homme, my family attempted to speak french (a little limited) in both Quebec City and Paris. The difference was in the class of the people of Paris and their acceptance of visitors who did not speak French fluently.

    In Paris we were treated with respect and helped when our French pronounciation failed us (as were German, Swedish and other tourists, who could not speak fluent French), whereas in Quebec City we were ridliculed and ignored.

    My family and I really enjoyed our trip to Paris and have great respect for the French people and their culture, international outlook and friendliness.

    We are currently planning another trip to Paris, however my family and I will not be visiting Quebec City anytime soon though.
  26. Vianney Prud'homme from Montreal, Canada writes: To my friend Duorp Naidanac:
    Sorry for the bad experience you had in Quebec City;but I am sure you're part of the exception.I went twice to Paris and even I am french speaking, the Parisiens have their own way of speaking french (with a lot of anglicisms) and are considered 'hautains et chiants' (haughty and arrogants) even by the other French from France.My other point would be that the people over there never had the threat we had (here in Quebec) to loose their culture and their language...Anyway,I respect your opinion;but if I were you,I would give the people of Quebec City a second chance to show their hospitality.
    Au plaisir!
  27. steve allan from Welland, Ontario, Canada writes: Bonne fete Quebec.
  28. Some Guy from Canada writes: Duorp Naidanac

    I live in Quebec City. You didn't get ignored and get second rate service because you were speaking English. You got it because in many restaurants here that's the only kind of service there is, regardless of your language.
  29. the dude abides from Wienerland, Austria writes: I think it's great for QC to be celebrating 400 years of history when so many places in North AM have little or no history at all. This is where Canada started, even if it was a French settlement then and then there was war with the Brits, and then with the alliegance to the Crown and ... 400 years later, every Canadian should be proud of the pictoresque city, which remains, after all, an important city in Canada, although not as important as it once was (QC was the largest city in the 'country' in 1800). QC has a great night life(Chez Dagobert and other discos), beautiful buildings (parliament and most of the inner city) and some very decent skiing(Ste-Anne and Massif), along with great shopping(Simons, Place Laurier), dining(well almost everywhere in the city really), and the birthplace of Poutine (Ashton) = ) yum. I just hope I get a chance to go back for a visit this year. Anyways, rock on QC and Rock hard cuz it's a great party town after all. And a floating dance floor on the St-Laurent? Ca c'est cool en T@b@rnacle! C'est le tour a Quebec de briller encore une fois.
  30. Louise Pharand Doren from Toronto, Canada writes:
    Dude, be sure to check out these restaurants, my favourites in Quebec city: Panache (in the Auberge St Antoine) and the Aviatic Club at the picturesque train station.
  31. Louise Pharand Doren from Toronto, Canada writes:
    To Carolyn:

    I love the Queen; she's a woman, she's powerful, she has staying power and has led a life of devotion and service to England without causing scandals. But what you're witnessing here is people that like to somewhat hide behind the skirt of a mammoth maternal figure instead of setting out and putting forth something original in the world on their own. You have resistance to all things American, to all things French Canadian, and also this misappropriated sense about themselves of the redemptive benevolent imperialist who goes overboard. Having said that, the country obviously lacks the maturity to govern itself without the Crown, abstract or not. So it's entirely forgivable, or there would be chaos.
  32. Louise Pharand Doren from Toronto, Canada writes:
    To Louis de Broglie:

    They were only trying to compete with Montreal : )
  33. Leon Russell from Gatineau, Canada writes: Just shows how misunderstandings can come about. You can go to Quebec, or anywhere else, and get ignored and bad service or doted upon and good service. It has nothing to do with whether you speak English or French. Service jobs in Quebec require English, and they certainly don't expect tourists to speak French.
  34. François Papineau from Montreal, Canada writes: Duorp: what a non sense. My first trip in Paris was wonderful exept for the Parisians I met. Since this first trip I went 3 times in Paris. My last trip last year was just wonderful including Parisians. Maybe it's just the way you acted, maybe it's just the people you met.

    Each time I go to Toronto, I met some bad Torontonians who don't like me because of my accent. That's fine with me. But I will continue to visit the city because I'm sure all Torontonians are not like that. Maybe you should grow up...
  35. Duorp Naidanac from Canada writes: François Papineau you obviously did not read or try to understand my post. I cleary stated that my family and I were very well treated by Parisians and we enjoyed our time immensly in Paris and are planning to visit Paris again (and Nice this time too).

    Your failure to even read my post correctly or understand the point I was making together with the underlying arrogance and condescending nature of your comments speaks volumes about some Quebecers and their attitude to people who do not live in that Province or speak fluent French. I truly feel sorry that you have such an inferiority complex.

    You and your kind are certainly not a good ambassadors for Quebec tourism.

    I'll spend my tourist dollars elsewhere in the world, thank you.
  36. Louise Pharand Doren from Toronto, Canada writes: Duorp, I'm sure you'll be the sensation in Paris! But leave the chip at home, or they'll mistake you for the Bossu of Notre-Dame! Seriously!!! There is nothing to construe as arrogance/inferiority complex in the response of Papineau to your francophile comment. He makes a parallel to your trip, provides insight into his experience and is nonetheless undeterred and enthusiastic when the shoe is on the other foot. He didn't, like me, make a sarcastic remark or call you names : ) Maybe you simply don't want to examine your conduct in warranting that kind of treatment? Let's be objective. We're glad you're going to Nice next.
  37. Duorp Naidanac from Canada writes: Not got a chip at all Louise Pharand Doren, just don't like being treated badly as a tourist no matter where it is and then being told it's my fault (because of the way I might of acted???) and also being told to grow up!!! If I don't like my treatment; some hospitality.

    With that kind of attitude, I'm sure Quebec City's 400 year celebration will be a resounding success in attracting and retaining tourists from other parts of the world, however I will not be one...

    Life's too short to put up with bad and boorish behaviour, especially when you don't have too..
  38. Louise Pharand Doren from Toronto, Canada writes: But who said it was your fault? You made that leap before reflecting back!? If this were the first ever experience you had where you felt mistreated, I could understand, but what are the odds this might be confined to one trip? I could say that about being in Manhattan and being addressed by a rabbi in this way 'hey lady' when going into a deli early one morning looking for fresh bagels and being sent off Lord knows where to a bakery - but that would be generalizing whereas I hardly could get a word in edgewise in English so much so the cab drivers, waiters, my host etc. were intent to please me and speak French to me on that same trip. Surely, there was more to Quebec, or otherwise I'll have to say that only a thicker skin could prevent you from letting others spoil your fun on your travels. A final note, the South of France (where my father's family was from before Quebec and after Italy, Spain etc. but I digress) are an already more agreeable bunch, but I warn you their French is tough to follow. Their food is amazing, but if you go to Monaco, stay out of the helicopters; they have a tendency to blow up!? Don't ask me. It's just uncanny. Have fun whatever you do.
  39. Louise Pharand Doren from Toronto, Canada writes: PS and I promise that's it...

    Quebec city attracts a large number of tourists at any time of year, mostly Europeans, has the highest per capita income in the country and last year, had a zero rate of murder in the city. People who live there, I surmise, are happy.
    I promised myself I would spend the final years of my life in the place that welcomed my mother's family 380 years ago and which they helped build, in spite of having travelled around the world - why? In Quebec city, I'm less likely to be thwarted by skyscrapers, pollution will stay within limits even 30-40 years from now, and I will always be able to see what the first Canadians saw when they arrived here.. the St Lawrence, the cliffs that make Quebec a natural citadel, and if in the meantime I forget who I am, when I'm there, Je Me Souviendrai.

    See you in Quebec!
  40. Not left,right or centre but forward got it from Toronto, Canada writes: Yes..yes.. let all the blohards have their rant. "Québec isn't as nice as my city" or "Les Québequois are arrogrant" blah blah blah. To these nay-sayers, don't visit, please. I don't want to see you there anyways. Stay in your house and never leave to see the daylight. Really. You guys are the same who poo-poo Toronto every chance you get and insult every other city in Canada and the world given the chance. If you want to be like that, move to America where such a lack of courtesy, couth and understanding is all too often tolerated and even expected.

    The truth of it is, the city is georgeous, the people wonderful and pleasantly unlike english Canada or even the other regions of the province of Québec. I love being able to travel such a short distance to see so much in terms of different culture and attitudes. I love it and them. The artisans, the architechture and most importantly the restauraunts! YUM! In the summer I plan to visit with my fiancée for a few days then head up the north coast of the Saint Lawrence staying at B and B's do some whale watching, some great photography and again some great hidden gems of art and cuisine.

    Félicitations Québec! A Great city that has earned a place in my heart.
  41. Kevin Deveaux from Canada writes: A small point, but an important one. Quebec is not the founding of Canada. Port Royal in Nova Scotia (now Annapolis Royal) is the oldest settlement in Canada, having been founded in 1604. Acadians have been in Canada a slightly longer period of time then the Quebecois. Bonne fete, Quebec, but four years ago the Acadians also had a celebration of their founding. Not as fancy, but perhaps just as important.
  42. François Papineau from Montreal, Canada writes: Duorp: YOU didn't read my post. I wrote that because of a bad experience (in Quebec) you stated taht you will never go there again. I did a parallel with what happen to me in Paris. I had a bad experience teh first time but i know better. I know taht some peopel doesn't make an whole city. I also made a parallel with Toronto. Read more carrefully and don't conclude without knowing everything. Maybe you next trips would be better
  43. Pretty Much from Toronto, Canada writes: Did anyone see the Quebec's reader gallery? Why is it a bunch of cars? Seriously the online editors for G and M are on crack!
  44. Bruno Montreal from Montreal, Canada writes: Why would we want to celebrate a hypocrite culture & a racist nation?

    the party hasnt even begun and the quebecois are already telling us to stay home, that Canadians are not welcomed!

    But the $100 Million that the Canadian Government gave you is welcomed of course.

    I wonder if that guy (Duboy) who was pissed because the CBC didnt put him on TV will open the ceremonies with an apology to Toronto for his aweful comments.
  45. Judith Henderson from Brentwood Bay, Canada writes: Re: the nasty comments about the French Can you hear your mothers saying " Stop it .... and get along with each other"?? No?? Well..I'm saying it. I live on Vancouver Island and I LOVE QUEBEC. I've been there 4 times and each time I like it more than the last. I would love to be able to live in Quebec City for 6 months and then come back here for the "winter". I have never had anyone be rude to me while in the Province of Quebec and they always seem to have traveled out to Vancouver and loved it. They say they are losing their young people to the west coast! Maybe one of the reasons I have been treated so well is that I treat them with the same respect I expect from them. I think more Canadians should travel to Quebec and learn about their province, instead of sitting back with biased outlooks on people they don't even know! How about some government help with travel to that area...it's cheaper to leave Canada than to visit within! I am so envious of how French Canadians can flip back and forth speaking english and french and I truly wish I could too! As for France: I have been to Paris and enjoyed it very much. I did meet ONE rude lady, but as she had the problem not me, I would go again in a heart beat. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Judi

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