already declared that they would stay within Canada and that they would take over the LeGrande hydro project and if necessary temporarily disable it in a non-destructive manner. I am privy to their plan.
The borders would have to be returned to where they were prior to Quebec joining Canada and the St. Lawrence Seaway would remain within Canada. All transfer payments would cease.
All military bases in Quebec would be closed and transfers made available to all, including Quebecers who swear loyalty to Canada.
There are many other issues to be negotiated but these are some of the more obvious and crucial items.
Michael in Barrhaven, ON
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I lived in Gatineau for many years and saw the writing on the wall in 2003. It was time to leave. I have family still there, my son married a Quebecer and their home language is French. I speak to my granddaughter in English and maybe she will eventually be able to speak English. I say it is time to cut the apron strings and let the province go and grow up. Let the province take care it itself, financially and emotionally.
Kay Matthews, Ottawa, ON
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I think Quebec should separate, always have. But for reasons I have never heard anyone mention. We have grown as a country, similar to a family. Today, just as with children, Quebec has grown strong and mature enough to stand on her own. One advantage would be that English-speaking people would finally be able to get a job with their own government.
Yarrum, Kanata, ON
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Tyler here. Yes Lowell, it is time for them to go! They hate us and it is a slap in the face every minute they remain part of Canada.
Tyler Buglar, Ottawa, ON
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I agree with Quebec separation, but for different reasons than you and your listeners have stated. I want Quebec to become a proud and independent nation since that is the only way we can preserve our language and culture.
You in English Canada obviously don’t care as much about your culture as we do in Quebec since you have allowed yourself to become diluted to the point where in some cities—Vancouver for example—English is now the second language. We will not allow that to happen in Quebec. Here we are adamant that we will preserve and enhance our language and culture. If the rest of Canada doesn’t care about its heritage that’s too bad for you, but we are not going to be caught in the same self-defeating trap.
James Morris, Ste. Jerome, QC
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As someone who was born in Montreal and left the province in 2005, I can safely say that not only will Canada not mind Quebec separation, but many Canadians would vote to expel the province from Confederation. Quebec is normally labeled as a progressive state, but in reality, it is the most regressive state in the free world. The province enacts laws that restrict education, restrict innovation and promote discrimination. We as a nation celebrate equality, justice, fairness to all—concepts shockingly absent from Quebec. My opinion: Hand them their hat and show them the door.
Arron K, Pembroke, ON
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Yes French speaking Quebecers are entitled to be concerned about the survival of their language and culture. But not at the expense of trampling others’ rights.
Bryan K, Ottawa, ON
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I heard you suggest that with separation, Quebec minorities might not face as much discrimination. You make an interesting point, although, fact is we cannot be sure. There is no question that in some quarters there is a genuine dislike, sometimes even a hatred of minorities, especially the English speaking kind, but it is also true that in the minds of many Quebecers their only concern is the preservation of their language and culture.
If Quebec became an independent nation there is no question the need to drive the Anglos out of the province would be lessened considerably. In fact it can be argued that once Quebec achieves total control over its own nation, Anglos will be much more welcome. That’s presuming of course that good will and some common sense survive. Not much of that these days, sadly in Quebec.
Andre Cadotte, Montreal, QC
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Lowell, Quebec is already gone. Quebec has its own civil code, has not signed onto the Constitution, or the Canada Health Act. It controls its own immigration as well as representing itself on many entities of the UN such as UNESCO. The only difference is that it doesn’t have an anthem and has someone else paying the bills.
On the financial side nothing will change. Transfer payments will be renamed foreign aid and bilingualism policy won’t change because the Franco-Ontarians will form the new beachhead for French culture preservation. All government departments whether federal, provincial or municipal will still promote bilingualism. So what is new to care or not care about? I do find it bizarre however that Canada would cede all of the Quebec territory to that new nation, which would be contrary to the Ungava Treaty.
John K, Ottawa, ON
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My feeling Lowell is that I really don’t care anymore. They can keep their culture and language but official bilingualism in the rest of Canada must be scrapped as it is ruining our country. You say that those in a separated Quebec could still have dual citizenship and a Canadian passport. Does this mean that these individuals could still come into the rest of Canada, work for the federal government, and take jobs away from the rest of Canadians like they do now in our hospitals, building trades, etc. just because they are bilingual? And with dual citizenship would they be allowed to run for Parliament and even become Prime Minister of Canada? That would be going too far in my opinion.
Deacon Moran McMahon, Orleans, ON
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We’re talking about the potential breakup of the best country in the world. How could anybody in his or her right mind not care? Shame on those who don’t care!
Jim H. sent from an iPhone
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Lowell, whatever happens, this time all Canadians must be given the opportunity to have a say. On two occasions in the past it has been Quebec and Quebec alone that was allowed to determine the fate of the entire country. No more. The next time we all get a say—we all get a vote. No more tail wagging the dog!
Ann Gravelle, Gatineau, QC
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Often it seems like Quebec is the tail wagging the dog. I live in Ontario and one does get fed up with what goes on in Quebec and their demands to the rest of Canada. I don’t like how they treat the Anglophones either. There seems to be this double standard.
From their standpoint they may be sadly surprised if they ever do get their independence. They will probably have even less say in trade with Canada and the U. S. There is one common analogy about Canada in bed with the elephant next door. (The U.S.) We know how that often works out! You make the analogy about an amicable divorce, but Quebec may end up pining for the old girlfriend they
