Throughout the past decades and presently, Quebecers have been known for their ongoing loyalty and strong devotion to their nation including their dying culture. Quebec’s advocacy of political independence from Canada, i.e. nationalism, has been significantly influential in shaping Canadian politics in the past and present. Nationalism has not only heavily influenced culture and politics in Quebec but more importantly has influenced politics in the Canadian nation as a whole. It is safe to say that Nationalism has led to various changes in the constitution, some of which are beneficial and some causing controversial debate. With Quebec putting a great effort and many its resources in it’s attempt to protect the French language, this ultimately
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For decades, it was seen that a Quebec separation was highly unlikely. But as Quebec’s desires to become an independent nation or “distinct society” grew, the rest of Canada now began to see it as a legitimate and genuine possibility. Many pro-secessionists “maintain Quebec should be a distinct society which has its own distinct cultural identity and self governance” 5. Although Quebec doesn’t have the right to secede unilaterally, the came close to separation in the Second Referendum of 1995 where the No side won with 50.58 percent of the votes 7. With increasing possibility of a Quebec separation, changes had to be made on a political level in Canada. This in turn led to the creation of Canada’s Clarity Bill, C-20. As outlined by the government of Canada this was an act to “give effect to the requirement for clarity as set out in the opinion of the Supreme Court of Canada in the Quebec Secession Reference” 8. This specific act of Quebec Nationalism, secession of Quebec, changed the constitution as it now became a possibility that Quebec could separate. The government had to pass a bill outlining which steps would be taken if a province were to separate from Canada. It is hard imagining a Canada without Quebec, as a major part of our “Canadian Identity” derives from there. Although there are those still against the secession of Quebec, it is unfortunate as Quebec runs on the First-Past-The-Post system …show more content…
Considering the rapid changes and unique political views in Quebec, it was only natural for new political parties to emerge. Currently within the past ten years two major parties have emerged, the Coalition Avenir Quebec and the Quebec Solidaire. The Coalition Avenir Quebec 3, founded in 2011, is a party made for Quebec nationalists which promotes the idea of Quebec’s distinct identity, but not secession. Whereas the Quebec Solidaire are similar but promote Quebec’s secession 1. The growing nationalism which caused the birth of these parties, made their voice heard on a country-wide basis. These nationalistic parties are not only playing a prominent role within Quebec, but also making an impact on the Federal level. In specifics the Parti Quebecois and other separatist parties strongly believe a Quebec split will further improve their economy and national identity. Former Parti Quebecois Leader Paulin Marios stated “Sovereignty would allow us to keep all the money we currently send to Ottawa. We would recover all the money. And we wouldn’t be forced to participate in these vast national programs that we already have,” 4. These parties are competing on a federal level advocating Quebecois rights, secession, and independence. And although it is highly unlikely they will win on that level, they are still causing opposition to also
For decades, it was seen that a Quebec separation was highly unlikely. But as Quebec’s desires to become an independent nation or “distinct society” grew, the rest of Canada now began to see it as a legitimate and genuine possibility. Many pro-secessionists “maintain Quebec should be a distinct society which has its own distinct cultural identity and self governance” 5. Although Quebec doesn’t have the right to secede unilaterally, the came close to separation in the Second Referendum of 1995 where the No side won with 50.58 percent of the votes 7. With increasing possibility of a Quebec separation, changes had to be made on a political level in Canada. This in turn led to the creation of Canada’s Clarity Bill, C-20. As outlined by the government of Canada this was an act to “give effect to the requirement for clarity as set out in the opinion of the Supreme Court of Canada in the Quebec Secession Reference” 8. This specific act of Quebec Nationalism, secession of Quebec, changed the constitution as it now became a possibility that Quebec could separate. The government had to pass a bill outlining which steps would be taken if a province were to separate from Canada. It is hard imagining a Canada without Quebec, as a major part of our “Canadian Identity” derives from there. Although there are those still against the secession of Quebec, it is unfortunate as Quebec runs on the First-Past-The-Post system …show more content…
Considering the rapid changes and unique political views in Quebec, it was only natural for new political parties to emerge. Currently within the past ten years two major parties have emerged, the Coalition Avenir Quebec and the Quebec Solidaire. The Coalition Avenir Quebec 3, founded in 2011, is a party made for Quebec nationalists which promotes the idea of Quebec’s distinct identity, but not secession. Whereas the Quebec Solidaire are similar but promote Quebec’s secession 1. The growing nationalism which caused the birth of these parties, made their voice heard on a country-wide basis. These nationalistic parties are not only playing a prominent role within Quebec, but also making an impact on the Federal level. In specifics the Parti Quebecois and other separatist parties strongly believe a Quebec split will further improve their economy and national identity. Former Parti Quebecois Leader Paulin Marios stated “Sovereignty would allow us to keep all the money we currently send to Ottawa. We would recover all the money. And we wouldn’t be forced to participate in these vast national programs that we already have,” 4. These parties are competing on a federal level advocating Quebecois rights, secession, and independence. And although it is highly unlikely they will win on that level, they are still causing opposition to also