Quebec Separatist Dreams: Let It Die An Ignoble Death

Well, Quebec papers have staked their claim. La Presse and Le Soleil have endorsed the Liberals while Le Devoir (that rag) hilariously sides with the PQ along with the tabloid Le Journal de Montreal.

I'm sorry. I just can't take seriously a paper that considers itself intellectual like Le Devoir who support an individual that's thoroughly anti-intellectual like Marois.

Anyway. Early polls seem to indicated the Liberals are on their way to a majority. The thinking is the PQ are splitting their left-wing votes with the QS thus paving the road to a Liberal majority.

Let's hope.

Did the PQ err in calling this election? Did they over play their hand? Are Quebecers reading right through their Machiavellian divide and conquer schemes?

The last election the PQ cynically jumped on the student bandwagon protest like wolves. They proceeded to eat the sheep as the student vote helped them to a minority government only to turn around and tell them 'fuck you.'

I don't think the students, having been taught a lesson in realpolitik, will be voting PQ this time around. Even students can learn that lesson.

Nonetheless, some still believe a minority PQ government can happen.

We'll see Monday.

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I'd like to clarify something regarding Quebec and the currency. I was reminded that in fact, Quebec can use the currency - anyone can use any currency. The issue is whether they would get a seat at the Bank of Canada (which Marois ridiculously asked for). This is unlikely to be granted. Highly improbable. 

Which begs the question, if currency is a prime symbol of independence, and Quebec getting a seat at the BOC is not going to happen (currency demands stability and Quebec doesn't offer that) what type of weed have seperatists been smoking? Why would they vote for independence only to give it up through monetary policy? Quebec has more leverage within Canada than it will have on its own.

The whole point, I'm told, of ditching Canada is to 'control their own destiny.' Yet, they're willing to not have a say in monetary policy which impacts their economic decisions?

They live seriously in a world where unicorns rule.

Speaking of economics. Many issues remain up for discussion in the event of Quebec separation. Nationalists are busy either ignoring these issues or finding improbable scenarios like the 'world would accept a "50+1" vote.

It won't matter if the Americans don't acknowledge it - which is my suspicion. 

A critical part of the Quebec territory is the St. Lawrence seaway. Guess what? It's Crown land.

Do the math.

On one end you have no power over monetary policy and on the other you won't have control over Montreal's lifeline. No wonder Montreal may have no choice but to file for Canadian status.

Never mind about the Natives who have already made claim their lands are not to be negotiated with an independent Quebec.

And things can get messy. Already inter-provincial barriers are problematic imagine with Quebec on its own. William Watson brings up the interesting scenario of dairy trade.

Meanwhile Andrew Coyne is probably closer to what Canadians are thinking these days about what relations between Quebec and Canada would be like.

Let's recap at the naivete and stupidity of Quebec independence:

- The St. Lawrence Seaway is Crown Land.
-Quebec will not have a seat at the Bank of Canada
-A possible U.S.-Canada union that could isolate Quebec.
-Quebec will not be able to keep the passport.
-Native land belongs to them and will not be subject to  negotiations with Quebec.
-Quebec, with no military, could not exert claims on lands if they wanted to.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Cirque de Soleil won't have much say in all this.