2. HEAR THE ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF QUEBECOIS SEPARATISM
"Quebec is a region with its own distinct economy, language, and culture, and should therefore be allowed to have its own independent political system."
The Argument: In order to preserve Quebecois culture, Quebec must form its own government. It does not belong in the Canadian Federation any longer.
Quebec already has the ingredients of a sovereign country: distinct language, history and outlook, charismatic leaders, and, most important, better bread. Quebecers are ready to cast off the ties that bind them to Canada. They are tired of having their concerns belittled by the other provinces. Legal recognition of Quebec's separate status would be just a formality.
French Canada was forcibly joined to English Canada. The union of the two peoples is unnatural and should be severed. Anyone who would deny Quebec the right to self-determination must be ignorant of Quebec's exceptional history. Champlain, Cartier. Merely listing the names of two French explorers gives a powerful sense of Quebec's glorious past. Quebec's destiny lies in becoming an independent nation.
The Response: The Quebecois should cease their divisive campaign. What further concessions do they require? Or don't they recognize any reasonable bounds to their selfish claims? Every time they're appeased, like back in 1982 with constitutional reform, they just complain more loudly (though maybe this is a stronger argument for letting them go). If the Canadian Federation is weakened through further decentralization of power, or still worse, the departure of Quebec, poorer provinces will be harmed. The Atlantic region is especially vulnerable. Not only will provinces such as New Brunswick and Nova Scotia be physically separated from the rest of the country if Quebec gains independence, they will lose badly needed redistribution payments. Sixty percent of Newfoundland's and Nova Scotia's budget comes from the all-province fund.
