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Sovereignty not dead, Marois says

RHÉAL SÉGUIN

From Saturday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 2:27 AM EDT 20/05/08

PQ Leader proposes manifesto on province's independence next fall ...Read the full article

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  1. Brian Van Ezel from Ottawa, Canada writes: It is only a matter of time and Quebec will separate. The rest of Canada will then save billions of dollars on the Federal Governments official language policy.
  2. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    In order for a referendum to truly succeed in Quebec the PQ need the Liberal Party of Canada in power.

    Since that aint going to happen, good luck, honey.
  3. Broad Vacant from St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada writes: Marois says: Should the PQ form the next government, Ms. Marois said, her party will govern Quebec as a nation, not a province. That means all “necessary measures” will be taken to protect Quebec's identity, including the French language and culture, and to ensure that Ottawa respects Quebec's jurisdictions. Well, the nation bit aside, isn't that what any premier such do?
  4. Expert Eel from Canada writes: Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    In order for a referendum to truly succeed in Quebec the PQ need the Liberal Party of Canada in power.

    how soon we forget how the sponsorship scandal started Mike.

    Also the fact that the last referendum the Libs Were in power and the PQ lost.
  5. One Eye Open from calgary, Canada writes: Good point Michael Sharp!

    Of course the sovereignty issue will always be around. However, we have already seen what happens to feelings of alienation when a federal government recognizes that each region of this vast nation has different needs and issues, and respects their right to address these issues themselves, instead of being told how to live, think, and vote.....

    As Liberals try say...... some of us, are simply "not Canadian", yet we expect us contribute more per capita to equalization than even Ontario.....
  6. John McCaffery from Australia writes: Brian Van Ezel - Ironically, I believe that the federal liberal government policies since Pearson and Trudeau, have led Canada down this road to eventual break-up; and that certainly the language policy is a cornerstone of this wrong direction. Make no mistake, Pearson and Trudeau meant well, they were just short sighted. A greater leader (Abraham Lincoln) once said: "You do not make the weak strong by making the strong weak." Unfortunately, this is what the liberals have tried to do. The sad part is that it is now almost impossible to elect a majority federal government that might be able to get Canada on the road to unity.
  7. Robert Loblaw from Canada writes: Been to Montreal lately? In two generations most of the French speaking people in Quebec will be from Haiti, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Viet Nam.

    Expert Eel - "Also the fact that the last referendum the Libs Were in power and the PQ lost."

    Yeah, the Liberals had it in the bag, the brown paper one.
  8. Pietro di Orleans from Ottawa, Canada writes: Neither is Hillary Clinton !
  9. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Elvis isn't dead either...
  10. Honesty is the best Policy from Canada writes:
    From the story and comments I see that Steve's divisive policies are taking hold. Quebec one way, Alberta another Newfoundland yet another and Ontario impoverished. Separate deals for Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan and no deal for others.

    The Government of Canada is supposed to" Stand Up For Canada" not divide and destroy our country
  11. Wilma De Bruyn from Toronto, Canada writes: French in Quebec.

    English and French for the rest of Canada.

    Presently, English as a second language and foreign language first
    in order to get a canadian job.

    Canadian experience required in order to get a job.

    Foreign language spoken first in order to get hired.

    Go figure!!!
  12. Paul Collins from Canada writes: Now imagine a Quebec seperatist traveling to Africa, or the Middle East, promoting Quebec seperatism. The starving multitudes and the waring factions would label the official mad and his cause worthless.
    Mystery of Everyman's Way
  13. CD W from Canada writes: Pie face is back at it again. Just go, but canadians get to stay.
  14. r b from Calgary, Canada writes: "Honesty" you must have recently emerged from a coma.

    Supoort for serparatism is at lows not seen since long before the days of Trudeau, Chretien and Martin.

    Harper completely emasculated the PQ and Bloc with his brilliant "Quebecois as a nation" speech in the Commons, the first statesmanlike address by a Canadian PM on the separatism issue in living memory.

    Words to the effect of "Mr Speaker, the Bloc has raised the issue of whether Quebec is a nation within Canada, and the government of Canada must respond...."

    Those are the words of a leader.

    But you go back to sleep, and dream of the days when one of your heroic Liberal incompetents allowed Canada to come within a few thousand fraudulent votes of seeing this country torn asunder.

    And don't worry. Dion will do his best to blunder us to another referendum. After all, the Quebecois don't want straight talk. They want Liberals.
  15. Likeable Loser? Vote Liberal! from Canada writes:
    The sooner Quebec separates , the sooner Canadians and Quebecers prosper.

    No more Bloc , save millions there.

    Without Quebec , 90 % of Liberal MP' s will cease to exist.[ No Denis Coderre .... pinch me , I'm dreaming]

    The Leafs will become Canada's hockey team again.

    Equalization payments can be sent to Atlantica and we could pay off our debt in a couple of years.

    Without French , maybe I could get a govt. job [ drool .... pension?]

    I will miss Dion though .... he has been entertaining.

    I wish the crazy moonbat the best of luck.
  16. Diplodocus ~~ from Canada writes: Yawn... I wonder what's on TV tonight?
  17. John Stanton from Canada writes: dreamer.....bye bye separtists...the gig is up.
  18. Mia Zen from Canada writes: So much time spent talking about it.
    Meanwhile, nothing is done for those getting poorer and poorer, nor to hire enough family doctors for the thousands without one or to improve the health care system.
    But life goes on, let's talk about sovereignty. Let's have studies about it. Let's forget about poverty and waiting lists in the health systems.
  19. Peter Kells from Bytown, Canada writes: And so another tired old member of the boomer generation makes a last attempt to rekindle and recapture the spirit of her youth. Its time to pass the torch but the hard truth for the boomers is that the generations that follow them have moved on to other issues. The younger generation do not have the necessary sense of victimization that Lucien Bouchard was such a master at projecting.

    The success of Jean Lesage's "quiet revolution" has ultimately led to the current apathy towards yet another PQ "manifesto". The ultimate frustration for Ms. Marois may be the realization the perhaps in a quirky way, Canada does work - even for the people who live in the Province of Quebec.

    We who live in this Dominion are still the children of Baldwin & Lafontaine, MacDonald & Cartier - the older I get, the more I begin to realize how exceptional these fellows were not only for their own time but for any time. This hodge podge of a country that they cobbled together is equally exceptional and unfortunately for Ms. Marois, the vast majority of the population of Quebec know it.
  20. smelter rat from Canada writes: My Canada includes Quebec, and IMHO it ain't going anywhere. Buh bye, Separatists.
  21. Wilma De Bruyn from Toronto, Canada writes: Honesty is the best Policy from Canada writes:
    From the story and comments I see that Steve's divisive policies are taking hold. Quebec one way, Alberta another Newfoundland yet another and Ontario impoverished. Separate deals for Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan and no deal for others.

    The Government of Canada is supposed to" Stand Up For Canada" not divide and destroy our country
    Posted 16/05/08 at 9:20 PM EDT | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment

    Welcome to North American Union in the very near future.
    After Hillery Clinton becomes President, the Amero dollar will come out. A women on the Amero dollar.
    Research, read, and revelations. (The Biggest Secret by David Icke and Radio Alchymy.com) Wake up. It is all about divide and conquer.
    Concentration camps all ready set up across us of a. It's a corporation under British rule, only property around the White House is us of a is the country.
  22. R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: Manifesto. Arms. Sounds a lot like military language to me......So Quebec is going to wage some kind of metaphorical campaign under the PQ are there....hmmmmmmmmm.............well I sure wish them luck and if they do succeed that will save a lot of money and open up a tonne of jobs in the public service etc etc etc etc.........
  23. Likeable Loser? Vote Liberal! from Canada writes:

    Wilma De Bruyn :

    You are kidding .... right? Like you are not serious ... right? Do you have weapons ?

    Hillary Clinton = president ? When pigs fly. Better chance of Bill making the priesthood.

    Try Tom Clancey ... better read / more credibilty.
  24. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Yawn.... who cares ?

    Marois and the remaining few Quebec separatists are as much of a bunch of starry eyed dreamers as the poster who said that the Leafs will become Canada's team again after they go...

    If Quebec goes, I am cheering for the now defunct Victoria Cougars.

    It's also time to face facts: Elvis is actually dead.

    Cheers.
  25. James P from Spruce Grove, Canada writes: Wilma De Bruyn, What's Art Bell and George Noory talking about tonight on Coast to Coast? Maybe aliens from mars are part of this plan as well. Never know...
  26. Colleen McIntosh from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada writes: Hello, Either way Canadians win...if the separatists win Quebec...the ROC will save billions of dollars on further Official Bilingualism boondoogles, therefore Canada wins...if the Quebec ousts the Bloc than Canada, including Quebec wins. Instead of wasting any more time, money and efforts on sacred cows, ie: the Bloc and Official Bilingualism Policies/Agendas, we should be focusing monies/efforts into causes/programs that serve all Canadians and not just a linguistic minority. Such as: Health Care, Military/Defence, Elderly, Children and the Environment. Time for the Bloc to be offically declared irrevelant. All Canadians should be working towards common goals/values, instead of defining and dividing along linguistic lines. We are Canadians, first and foremost...let's work together for the betterment of all Canadians, as our first priority. Quebec is officially, unilingual French and the Rest of Canada should be officially, unilingually English. Once you accept that reality, there is no need to continue fighting along the language divide. The Liberals have benefitted, far too long by encouraging the battle along the two solitudes...remember who brought the fight to the Land. Without the fight, the Liberals are also irrevelant in Canada. Democracy is majority ruled...time to restore Canada to all Canadians!
  27. Colleen McIntosh from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada writes: Hello, Either way Canadians win...if the separatists win Quebec...the ROC will save billions of dollars on further Official Bilingualism boondoogles, therefore Canada wins...if the Quebec ousts the Bloc than Canada, including Quebec wins. Instead of wasting any more time, money and efforts on sacred cows, ie: the Bloc and Official Bilingualism Policies/Agendas, we should be focusing monies/efforts into causes/programs that serve all Canadians and not just a linguistic minority. Such as: Health Care, Military/Defence, Elderly, Children and the Environment. Time for the Bloc to be offically declared irrevelant. All Canadians should be working towards common goals/values, instead of defining and dividing along linguistic lines. We are Canadians, first and foremost...let's work together for the betterment of all Canadians, as our first priority. Quebec is officially, unilingual French and the Rest of Canada should be officially, unilingually English. Once you accept that reality, there is no need to continue fighting along the language divide. The Liberals have benefitted, far too long by encouraging the battle along the two solitudes...remember who brought the fight to the Land. Without the fight, the Liberals are also irrevelant in Canada. Democracy is majority ruled...time to restore Canada to all Canadians!
  28. Mani Pulated from Bymedia, Canada writes: Here we go again.

    Quebec must need more appeasement money from the feds.

    I wonder; what would happen, if they said no for a change?
  29. Scott Gordon from Canada writes: Marois says “I will also table a new Bill 101 [Quebec's language law] to better protect our French language,”.

    It's not enough that fundamental liberties have already been suspended for Anglo Quebecers when recent studies have proven that French is under no real threat in Quebec, the Bouchard-Taylor commission has proven that bigotry is practically a cottage industry in Quebec, and the upswing of racist and militant groups like Impératif Français and Mouvement Montréal Français, Jeunes Patriotes du Québec etc., continue to prove that it is the anglophones whos communities, culture, history and heritage in Quebec that is under threat.
  30. smelter rat from Canada writes: "It's also time to face facts: Elvis is actually dead."

    Nonsense :)
  31. Alastair james Berry from Nanaimo BC CANADA, Canada writes: Over my dead body has Quebec Sovereignty gone!!

    Vive Le Quebec Libre!!

    For fifty years I have been trying to get my Quebecois compadres to stiffen their backbones and resolve to take the final step!

    But up to now, every time the chance comes up, they suddenly become weak as kittens and find hundreds of excuses why they should wait a little longer in the protection of OTTAWA.

    I just cannot understand why the Quebecois talk such a good talk about a Sovereign Quebec , but then refuse to take the walk that would lead them to a glorious and liberated future.

    It almost seems they have inherited a chicken hearted diathesis!

    If little Iceland and Southern Ireland can survive with a GDP/head greater that of Canada, with few natural resources, Quebec with it's bountiful resources and the backing of a dynamic Metropolitain France as their partner, could forge ahead of the USA and Canada.

    Get with it Quebec , declare independance today!
  32. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Alastair james Berry from Nanoimo, BC, CANADA:

    Don't think that that's going to happen, Alistair...

    In addition to many billions in Federal transfer payments, Quebec would lose their hydro power contracts in Labrador and the Port of Halifax would likely again become Canada's busiest port in Eastern Canada...

    Next story, please...
  33. Alastair james Berry from Nanaimo BC CANADA, Canada writes:

    This fellow exemplifies part of the problem 'NEGATIVE THINKING!!'

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes:
    "Don't think that that's going to happen, Alistair..."


    --------------------------------------------------------------------

    R Miller, think POSITIVE........THINK BIG.......

    "THINK A GLORIOUS AND FREE CANADA"

    No more forced bilingualism....No more CRTC demanding 50% quota of Francophone quota.....No more need to REVERSE NAMES like Air Canada...No more expensive glossy paper annual reports from COMMISSAIRE AUX LANGUES OFFICIELLES.

    THIS VISION IS PROBABLE AND IS POSSIBLE...If Quebec high tails it out of Confederation! Encourage 'separatisme' at every opportunity.
  34. Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from St Albert, Canada writes: Adios Quebec. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.
  35. Vancouver Island Voice from Canada writes: na, na, na, na; na, na, na, na; hey, hey, hey; good bye
  36. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Alastair james Berry from Nanaimo BC CANADA:

    I do not actually disagree with much that you have said on this topic.... However, separatism in Quebec is currently on the wane.

    As I have said before with respect to Atlantic Canada, Quebec separation would likely mean no more subsidies for ice breakers to keep the Gulf of St. Lawrence passable for the benefit of the Port of Montreal and to the detriment of the Port of Halifax.

    Newfoundland and Labrador could also finally take back control of the billions in revenues that they lose annually in the hydro power deals with Quebec in Labrador...

    Not to mention, the relocation of Canadian military and Coast Guard facilities to Atlantic Canada...

    However, IMO we all will still need to find a way to live in harmony on this land mass that we currently call Canada so I think that I am THINKING BIG!

    Cheers.
  37. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Alastair james Berry from Nanaimo BC CANADA:

    Besides all of the above, who will play goal for Team Canada ?

    Let's wait until Carey Price is a little further along in his development before encouraging "separatisme" too aggressively.... ;)

    Cheers.
  38. Boarder 08 from Canada writes: As Quebecois, I've never feel more Canadian that since the tories are in power. I'm not in accord with all their policies. I'm not in accord with more equalization payments for Quebec.

    But Conservatives, whatever are their true opinions, make symbolic changes that make me feel that my country understand my identity and the history of my nation.

    As Scotland forms a nation within UK, Quebec forms a nation within Canada, and more and more Canadians from the other provinces will recognize this fact, more and more Quebeckers will feel a little bit at home in their own country.

    Quebeckers do not really care about official bilingualism, except in the national capital - it is normal that the capital of a bilingual country has to be bilingual. In respect of French-speaking communities across Canada, I do not feel that the future of the Quebec and french-speaking culture is in Gravelbourg, Saskatchwan, or in Saint-Boniface, Manitoba.
  39. sean wood from vancouver, Canada writes: Marois can stoke the fires of language and culture under threat all she wants, but it's 2008 and her retro woe is us, our culture is threatened just doesn't cut it. The only thing threatened in the nation of Quebec is English. The logistics of trying to make a unified nation called Canada, are difficult enough with two languages and cultures, never mind the multi-cultural stew whipped up by the Father of modern confederation Chairman Pierre. A lot more voices will be clamoring for a bigger role in the not so distant future. It will be very interesting, to see how that reality, all plays out.
  40. r b from Calgary, Canada writes: Many years ago, my then late middle aged parents set out on a road journey from Alberta to the east coast. My father and mother, one the child of the prairie's depression and dustbowl, the other a child of war refugees, wanted to see that part of Canada almost more than anything. We tried talking them out of it, quite frankly we were terrified about how my cowboy-ish dad and german accented mom would be treated on their way through Quebec. We knew they would be treated disrespectfully at best, abused at worst. Upon their return, we all gathered to hear the stories. True to form, they had encountered lots of anti-Alberta bigotry (this was in the early days of the first oil crisis) and in ugly incident at a filling station, the threat of violence. In Quebec? Absolutely NOT, it was in places like Chatham Ontario (where a motel refused them) and Halifax, Nova Scotia, where a local thug threatened them with a tire iron upon seeing a Cadillac with Alberta plates. Both parents reported that Quebecers had been overwhelmingly polite and helpful, and my mother had fallen in love with old Quebec City, it reminded her of the old Europe she had known as a girl. From that moment onward, I respected even more the Quebecois as a proud, but generous people, and I have always hoped they would find a way to remain, and prosper, in this "marriage" of our nation. Harper's straight talk to, but sincere affection for, Quebec mirrors my own sentiments far more than the two solitudes most commonly seen in this country: that either Quebec can do no wrong, or it is the devil incarnate. Harper, I believe, is the first Anglo PM to talk straight to Quebec: we want you, and we will work with you to make this "marriage" work. But, if the separatists ever do succeed, there should not be any naivete regarding a "divorce" with bedroom privileges.
  41. Roop Misir from Toronto, Canada writes:
    Is it a bad idea if Quebec goes it alone?
  42. Scott Gordon from Canada writes: Yes it is Roop. That's why it will never happen.
  43. Guitar Player from Vancouver, Canada writes: Ms. Marois, you want sovereignty? Great - I'm all for it, and for Quebec separating from Canada. Just pay your share of the national debt, turn over all Canadian passports, give all Quebecois the ability to transfer their private funds out of Quebec if they wish, expect no more money or support from Canadian taxpayers and the rest of Canada, and go deal with France if you want help or support. There is certainly one thing you've inherited from your French ancestors: a level of arrogance that is stunning in magnitude. You ought to be right at home dealing with France.
  44. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Yoo hoo, Ms. Marois?

    Talk to us when you get power.

    otherwise...

    Fermez les bouche!
  45. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Earth to Marois.

    It's dead.

    Stop hitting it with a stick.
  46. John Connor from Canada writes: Get a clue lady, no one cares.
  47. Jim Z from Canada writes: Guitar player right on. If that is what the majority of Quebecers want let them have their third world country. But I think they will have a major problem with the 2 million English speaking people in Quebec plus the First Nations people will probably want to seperate from Quebec. The makings of an outright civil war.
  48. michael luger from montreal, Canada writes: i suspect most canadian provinces will become americian states long before quebec separates, leaving quebec and a few other provinces to define a 'new canada' confederation; irony at it's best.
  49. In a Fog from Toronto, Canada writes: Was anybody expecting another type of statement from a leader who had to hang around for 30 YEARS waiting for every other possible PQ candidate to retire or croak before becoming elected? A new Manifesto? It's been a long time seen I've heard that kind of left-wing jargon.
    The PQ are locked in some kind of 1970's timewarp. They're becoming laughable.
  50. Mike Quinlan from Gatineau QC, Canada writes: I love reading comments that without Quebec Canada will pay off its debts faster. Meanwhile in QuebecSeperatists love to go on to no end that with independence will mean the repatriation of billions. Both groups have their heads in the clouds Furthermore, the other lie I dont want to hear anymore is the marriage analogy. Provinces are not spouses who provide sexual favours to each other. The only slanted truth in the example, is that just as with divorce, the big winners will be the lawyers.
  51. Roslyn Unhappy from Montreal, Canada writes: Marois offers more laughs than summer TV. She is not too swift. Does she actually think that Montreal and west will be part of a separate Quebec. Also, the Yanks had troops in Plattsburg during the last two referendums....if someing serious was brewing, Marois would be looking at US. soldiers while she ranted in her abominable English. Lady Nfld. would take back its power that it sold at bargain basement prices. All large international companies would be gone. Maybe the oil companies would save their oil for Canada and forget Quebec. As I said, Marois ain't no Hilliary Clinton...she is a lady stupid enough not to learn English and wants to be a player on he world stage. LOL
  52. Jacob Kasperowicz from Kirkland, Canada writes: Your readers should spend time watching French language channels from Quebec or listen to French language radio from Quebec. Unless it is a derogatory remark, you never hear anything about Canada. Every time the PQ rekindles the embers, the airwaves are flooded with, "Quebec and the French language are in danger!".

    Recently, Kosovo's recognition by our American neighbour has bolstered the call for an outright declaration of independence when the Parti Quebecois returns to power. It is easy to sit 100's, if not 1000's, of miles away and right off the separatists. I, and 1000's more like me, who have lived here all our lives and have done well, despite the separatists and their racist tactics, have everything to lose and are far more deserving of the title "Proud Canadians" than the 300,000 plus who ran away from the province between 1976 & 1980 and, now,comment on stories such as these by saying, "Let Quebec go".
  53. Kim Morton from Canada writes: Yet another push for independence. YAWN
  54. D K from Canada writes: Ha Ha Ha too funny! To do list for US: Add Quebec to the axis of evil. Easy pickings!
  55. Rain Couver from Canada writes: C'mon Marois, say it, you know you want to. It's the money and the ethnic vote.
  56. Duane Freemantle from writes: Quebec's dream for Sovereignty will not die in this generation more because there are people in Canada who do not to engage in defining Canada. Canada's federation is an envy of many nations. This is because of the perception of harmony between two groups. This harmony between two groups is part of what makes Canada culturally strong. People like Marois need to look at Canada from the outside of Canada, and then she will realize how vibrant Quebec is in Canada. The Quebec I speak of is it people and culture. How can we in English Canada engage those in Quebec?
  57. Catherine Medernach from Winnipeg, Canada writes: Separation is a pipe dream - they have more to lose than gain. Although some consider the Van Doos their military, most see themselves as Canadian soldiers and would not opt for serving a separate Quebec. There is no guarantee that the US would be happy with this and continue to include Quebec in the free trade agreement. While there has been pressure to learn French in English Canada, many people in Quebec have not learned English. Too many decisions today are made because of the need for the Quebec vote - it is time to make some changes so that the elections are not decided before the western provinces even cast their votes. The nationalist card has been played too many times to blackmail the rest of the country.
  58. boarder 08 from Canada writes: I am Quebecois, and I believe in Canada. But reading comments on english-speaking newspapers about Quebec sometimes makes me doubt. I do not support my canadian idendity for few equaliztion payments, and believe that build a true federation of different provinces, nations, cultures and languages worth the efforts. I do not support the PQ and Pauline Marois. But as millions of Quebeckers, I respect her and her party. The truth is that most of Péquistes and nationalists are not less open and intelligent people than other Canadian citizens, despit their political project, a project of country that certainly has a certain logic even I do not support it. And please stop referring to stupid comments of Parizeau : the truth is that the PQ supports immigration in Quebec and even want MORE immigrants in the province. The truth is that in a independant Quebec, I don't think that foreign companies would leave, simply because companies are here to make money in the Quebec market, not because it is a gift to Quebeckers ! People think that because Quebec receive equalizations payments, ALL the Quebec economy is dependant on Ontario support. That is not exactly the truth. Ontario will probably be poorer then Quebec in 10-15 years, when the auto industry will have close every single auto plants in the province. A lot of people in the rest of country treats Quebeckers as poor people unable to run a state of their own. Such comments are provocative, and sometimes when I read such things I secretly think : well, we will show you that we are able to run a country. Vive le Québec, Vive le Canada
  59. Rick C from Canada writes: Interesting.

    First Marois calls to suspend the obligation to hold a referendum during a prospective PQ gov'ts first mandate; now she is calling for a renewed effort to promote sovereignty.

    Sounds like she is burning the candle on both ends to me. Appease the hardliners after trying to lure some of the ADQ's support.

    The reality is Quebec has had two referendums. Those that support an independent country aren't changing their minds I suspect.

    However that hasn't been the question in either referendum. They've always included that wrinkle about economic associations.

    Going away for college on your own, but still swiping Daddy's credit card.

    Sorry but that isn't an option.
  60. Erick Langlais from Moncton, Canada writes: Canada is a pipe dream.

    Two nations, two cultures, two countries...

    Get over it Canadiens... Canada does not really exist in Quebec and never will be.
  61. Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes: Oh for goodness sake, they don't stop, do they?

    Anyway, it's kind of becoming funny now. One, because we all know she's completely full of it. Two, because even if she isn't, I think most Canadians are at that point where they really want Quebec to stay, but if they REALLY REALLY want to go and forge their own 19th century nation-state in a 21st century world, no one is going to stop them this time. Good fences may finally make good neighbors, but the last thing I think we need is another 100 years of bickering.
  62. GlynnMhor of Skywall from Canada writes: Well, Erick, only about a third of quebeckers seem to be convinced of your suggestion, while an equal number are convinced they wish to remain Canadian. The rest vary their vote according to whatever they think they can gain from strategies.
  63. C. B. from Canada writes: Many of those who voted no in the last referendum did so in order to milk the RoC dry, Charest first; how many billions did he get from the RoC for the "fiscal imbalance". If the RoC wants to keep Quebec, it will have to pay big. Don't expect a people to be loyal to its conqueror.
  64. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: It is too bad that the headline did not include the second quote from Marois.

    "It is merely pining for the fjords".

    Summer has arrived - we are getting headlines written by John Cleese wannabees - on articles once again confirming that a number of civic leaders are seriously detached from reality.

    Does Marois honestly think that voters in Quebec are going to spend their time on vacation thinking about the great national project, when they are thinking that the depanneur closes in 15 minutes and more beer is needed for the balcony party.
  65. James Cyr from Balmertown, Canada writes: I think Marios needs a long vacation....
  66. edward prior from Montreal, Canada writes: Oh c'mon you guys. She's the head of a party whose whole reason for being was founded on the question of sovereignty so what do you expect her to say? And she became the head of that party because enough people therein felt she was the best candidate to get the job done. They didn't vote her leader because they believed that she was saying: Ok. Stop. Full Right Rudder!
    But beyond the question of sovereignty and language, the party has absolutely nothing to offer this Province: no constructive platform on economic development; debt payment; reform of a bloated bureacracy. Nada. It is a party of extremely limited outlook and foolish expectations: that is, as someone pointed out in an earlier comment, the French language and culture that the party hopes to protect is constantly undergoing change from people whose french background is not Quebecois. She (and the party) may as well try to command the tide not to change.
  67. Original Six Fan from Canada writes: Pauline Who??

    Yet another in a long list of insecure losers trying once again to stir up the pot to gain independence from the rest of Canada.

    How many times are flakes like her going to be given air time and press pages for something that the majority of Quebecers do not want - separation from Canada.

    It is strictly an ego move to gain leverage for herself, her party and the province and the rest of us are sick and tired of reading and hearing about it.

    But if she and the other like-minded people keep trying this game then they mightget a lot of suport from the rest of the country - holding th door open for them on the way out.

    Get on with the real issues of importance to this country and your province and don't keep wasting everyone's time.
  68. DON BARTA from Canada writes: - Will this separatist disease ever go away?
    The usual cure is money, but they get most of our taxes now - Maybe it's time to cut off the diseased part and allow it to rot without the support of the rest of Canada!
    Be careful what you wish for.........
  69. boarder 08 from Laurentides, Canada writes: I agree that PQ have no longer something strong to offer to Quebeckers, especially on economy.

    But it is not a reason to not give to Pauline Marois and her party a minimum respect, as we should do to every political party in Canada. She is not a loser, she is not a stupid person, and the majority of Pequistes are not either.

    As Quebecois, if I feel confident about my identity, if I believe in our potential as nation and individuals, it is in part because the work done by the PQ over the years. A party that have build a project of society that is highly respectable, a society that in many point serve as example for other minority or federated nations (Catalonia, Scotland, Flanders, even Tibet...)

    «Treat them as a nation and they will act as a free people generally do, generously. Treat them as a faction and they become factious.»
  70. GlynnMhor of Skywall from Canada writes: boarder 08 from Laurentides, Canada writes:"... reason to not give to Pauline Marois and her party a minimum respect, as we should do to every political party in Canada."

    Read enough of the postings here and you'll find that there's not a lot of respect offered to any politicians or their parties.

    If she has to make loud pronouncements that her favourite obsession is not (yet) dead, then that just goes to show how sickly the ideology really is.
  71. Paul Thompson from Canada writes: That should be "Fermez la bouche!" Sharp. Ms. Marois isn't the only one who should follow that advice. But get your sorry butt to Quebec City this summer; I have little hope it would broaden your outlook but even conservatives can have fun there.
  72. GlynnMhor of Skywall from Canada writes: Paul Thompson from Canada writes: "That should be "Fermez la bouche!" Sharp."

    Ou bien, 'Ta gueule'.
  73. edward prior from Montreal, Canada writes: boarder 08 - I agree that there should be some respect given to any political party, because they are people who actually act on their beliefs. And I have no quarrel with the fact that Quebec should be an independent nation. What I DO have a quarrel with is the fact that the PQ has no platform to say how that will be accomplished. We have major debt; we have major problems with the infrastructure; we have major problems with an overly bloated bureauracy; we have major problems with trying to increase foreign investments. These are all issues that ANY sovereign state must address. And the PQ have not addressed any of these. Instead, they are totally focused on language and culture...and they do not recognise or admit that "FRENCH" culture in this province is, more and more, that of those who emigrate here and less of the native quebecois.
    And even those native Qubecois do not speak the language that the official bureau would have us believe is Official Quebcois. Like I said earlier...tell the tides not to change
  74. Nick Wilson from Toronto, Canada writes: @ edward prior from Montreal : Dear Edward, what you said about debt management and economy is not entirely false. However, you must recognize that the province's deficit has been brought under control by the Lucien Bouchard's administartion. Under Charest, even if the province is not making any deficits(if you agree with the gvmt accounting), its public debt is still increasing. The fact is the Pequistes even as a social democrat party have better managed the public purse than the Liberals over the last 30 years.

    Anyways, as long as Justin Trudeau or another anti-Quebec Liberal doesn't become the PM of Canada, it will be tough for the PQ to garner enough traction for a new push toward sovereignty.
  75. Alastair james Berry from Nanaimo BC CANADA, Canada writes: There are surely a lot of CHICKEN HEARTED INDIVIDUALS as exemplified in this discussion!

    Where are the TRUE PATRIOTS OF QUEBEC???

    The Patriots whose cry is : "GIVE ME LIBERTY or GIVE ME DEATH!!"

    Surely they cannot all have forgotten Rene Levesque Pelletier Marchand Trudea who worked hard to smooth the way forward for an Independant Quebec in the days of "CITIE LIBRE" in the early 50's?
  76. Nassar Ben Houdja from Canada writes: An independent Quebec will consist of a few enclaves surrounded by the Canadian Province of Quebec. Should make a few dollars selling quaint local handy crafts, velvet Elvis's etc. to the tourists.
  77. Namys From Canada from Toronto, Canada writes: To: smelter rat from Canada writes: //My Canada includes Quebec, and IMHO it ain't going anywhere. Buh bye, Separatists.//

    Not so fast, my friend. Canada just recently readily supported the illegal independence of Kosovo ("illegal" because it ran against a UN resolution supporting the territorial integrity of Serbia) under the pretext "Kosovo people do not want to be part of Serbia".

    Now Canada has to be consistent and must not cowardly apply double standards: if people of Quebec want out, their wishes have to be respected (as Canada respected will of Kosovars and disrespected the will of Serbs), and they have to be granted an independence. After Canada's support for independence of rogue Kosovo, I do not see why Quebec - which is light years ahead of Kosovo in everything - can't be independent.

    With the support for Kosovo independence, Canada ran out of excuses not to grant sovereignty to Quebec. Those who opposed Kosovo independence, foresaw Canada's support will haunt it in Quebec.
  78. GlynnMhor of Skywall from Canada writes: Namys From Canada from Toronto, Canada writes: "After Canada's support for independence of rogue Kosovo, I do not see why Quebec - which is light years ahead of Kosovo in everything - can't be independent."

    Quebeckers have to want to create a new country, though, and they don't seem to want to do so. They haven't even voted in favour of a sort of pseudo-country arrangement that the PQ twice has tried to sell to them as potentially feasible (whereby they would retain Canadian citizenship, etc, etc), much less actual independence.
  79. r b from Calgary, Canada writes: Namys - the difference is that we happen to like Quebec and Quebecers: on the other hand we do not give a damn about the various backward, stone age, incessantly ethnically feuding, bohunk states that seem to so concern you, and we never will.

    So perhaps you could start a petition, and after 10 years or so, when you have reached as high as 7 or 8 signatures, you could come back and visit us again on these forums, with your oh-so-important concerns, about Kosovo or Serbia or whatever it will be called by then.

    No offence.
  80. D K from Canada writes: "Sovereignty not dead, Marois says"

    Either is racism, but you shouldn't brag about it.
  81. sheila valentine from Canada writes: It is dead to those who have hear wolf cried too often .We don't hear anymore the complaint have been ongoing too long.We have Canadians dying every day fighting on behalf of Canada not just one area of Canada to give demoracy and freedom to others to have hopeful peacful lives and we have some that want to break up Canada?? That is not going to happen so if separatists want to go and be separate from Canada leave and join France, Quebec will always be part of Canada with or without you.
  82. Harper-approved lies are scripted talking points from Canada writes: Sovereignty isn't dead, it's just resting. Pining for the fjords.

    Lovely plumage, the Quebecois Blue, idn'it, squire?
  83. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
    Quite right.

    "Sovereignty not dead, it's just resting."

    Polly is no more.
    She has slipped the mortal coil.
    She is off to join the choir invisible.

    Polly's feet have been nailed to her perch and the PQ worship her every move.
    Or lack thereof.
  84. Laurie T. from Canada writes: Au Revoir.

    Enjoy taking your share of the debt with you. And don't expect R.O.C will purchase any goods may choose to produce.
  85. Namys From Canada from Toronto, Canada writes: To: r b from Calgary, Canada who wrote: ...the difference is that we happen to like Quebec and Quebecers...//

    You like them, then you will give it to them with no objections, when they ask for it, I assume.

    //... on the other hand WE do not give a damn about the various backward, stone age, incessantly ethnically feuding, bohunk states that seem to so concern you, and WE never will...//

    I will leave your post without comments, no need, anyone can see through it.

    But I want to ask you: how did you - with "progressive" and "educated" views like yours - end up reading G&M (a "SomePLace Herald" with local news would have been more easy reading for you)? How did you end up reading at all? When you say "WE", who are you speaking for? All 33.3 million Canadians (including myself - did you know there are that many folks in this country?) I do not recall delegating to anybody, including you, my right to have an opinion - let's leave as is, no help wanted.

    No offence, just curious
  86. South Paw from Montreal, Canada writes: Sarkozy says it's dead "Pauline ate too many crackers" so it's dead.

    Compris.
  87. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Sharp to Marois:

    "It's dead. Get over it."

    End of thread, end of discussion.
  88. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Sharp to Marois:

    "It's dead. Get over it."

    End of thread, end of discussion.
  89. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    It sounds so nice, the Globe prints it twice.

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