In Common … no, sadly, we are not both billionaires.
We Are Though Both Separatists.
If I was resident in Quebec, I too would vote for separation from Canada.
Canada and Quebec, since our history began, have been – as they say – like Chalk and Cheese. We are simply too different, in too many ways.
Canada has the English common law while Quebec – the French Civil Law.
Canada is composed mainly of Anglophones while Quebec is composed mainly of Francophones.
Canada’s main language is English, while in Quebec, it is French.
Canada’s mother country in England, and for Quebec, France.
Basically what the two have in common is that they are uncommon to one another.
As an aside, my Grandfather emigrated to Canada at the turn of the last century from Scotland, and if I was living there now, I would be voting for separation from England in their upcoming Referendum.
I put a great deal of importance into history and how it effects our future and to ignore the former is to do so at the expense of the latter.
And speaking of history, Canadians have had to ignore their history since the 1960s and it is only latterly, with the rise of Stephen Harper, that an attempt has been made to reverse this.
But it is too little, too late.
So I’d vote along with PKP if and when a Referendum on Quebec Separation comes along.
So for the record, just who do we blame – if blame is the word – for this current state of affairs.
Why the Federalists of course.
Let’s take a quick look down memory lane:
Pearson refused to block Quebec’s blackmail of Newfoundland in regard to the Churchill Falls Power fiasco despite the fact that interprovincial transmission of power fell within federal responsibility and not provincial.
Trudeau introduced a new blackmail vehicle – the transfer payments - especially tailored for Quebec. Today some $9 billion dollars go Quebec’s way each year for that alone. (No wonder they can disregard matters affecting their abysmal economy…the feds (other provinces) as always, are there to pick up the slack).
And over the years since – the Feds have given Quebec the authority to have its own transportation, pension and immigration systems.
Indeed with respect to the latter – much of their preoccupation today about heritage and laws to protect it, have be borne out of the fact that Quebec allowed thousands and thousands of immigrants from French Speaking Countries in Africa and from Haiti and now have seemingly come to regret it.
But there is more – health transfers and the like along with the transfer payments noted aboue, mean that Quebec receives over $20 Billion a year in subsidization from the Rest of Canada.
Even our current Prime Minister recently passed a motion in the House of Commons recognizing Quebec as its own State.
Hard to go back on that one.
So they are truly to blame for the current state within which we find ourselves. That does not mean that a successful referendum is in the offing.
First, the PQ must win a majority vote in next month’s general election and I would put that happening at about 50%.
Then, assuming they get their majority, – they would have to convince 50% + 1 to vote for separation and with support for separation currently running at mid 30% – that would take some doing.
But don’t forget – separation is an emotional issue and polls especially those against separation can change rather quickly.
I would put it all at 50 – 50 – for this time – and please note - if not successful now – it will rear its head again at some future time – you can rest assured.
And in that case, I wonder what the Feds will offer Quebec? Hard to imagine more than what they have already handed over but that said, there seems to be no limit to their generosity.
And imagine how generous that will be should we elect another Prime Minister from the once Belle Province.
Throughout it all though, I will be routing for Quebec in the knowledge that this will be best for all concerned; things can only return to normal, once the knot is cut.
As I see it…
‘K.D. Galagher’
