Nationalism in Quebec and Canadian Politics Essay

The province of Quebec has been part of Canada since the very beginning. Quebec, originally a colony of France, is the only province in Canada with a predominantly french speaking population. Quebec is an important factor in Canada's diversity, as the culture in Quebec is vastly different than the rest of Canada. A fact that Canadians are proud of. However, many in Quebec see themselves as too different, in a sense, from the rest of canada, and believe that Quebec should become its own sovereign nation. The political party Bloc Quebecois has been trying to gain independence for Quebec since 1991 (Goldsworthy 10), although unsuccessfully. Canada needs quebec in order to keep the same amount of influence it has in the world,

“The spirit of democracy cannot be imposed from without. It has to come from within”. (Gandhi) A lawful and fair democracy is one that represents the people, where the will of the people is done not where the government’s will is enforced. Here in Canada we believe a democratic government is well suited for its people but like any other system it has its flaws. This country was a model democracy. Canada’s wealth, respect for legal, human and civil rights almost promises that this country has the potential to uphold a legitimate democracy. Reading headlines today concerning the state of democracy in Canada we can see how our political system is slipping. A democracy should uphold the rights of its people rather than the rights of a

Many people across the globe argue that nationalism within Canada is simply not feasible. It is said that we as a people, differ so greatly with our diverse cultures, religions, and backgrounds that we cannot come together and exist together as a strong, united nation. In his book, Lament for a Nation, George Grant tells the reader that “…as Canadians we attempted a ridiculous task in trying to build a conservative nation in the age of progress, on a continent we share with the most dynamic nation on earth. The current history is against us.” (1965) Originally directed towards the Bomarc Missile Crisis, the book argues that whatever nationalism Canada had was destroyed by globalization as well as the powerful American

Although Canada can be defined as a nation state, its vast landscape means many people are faced with different views and mindsets. Source one simply shows the differences within the nation of Canada. Eastern and Western Canada, because of their geographical differences, can be faced with contending loyalties when it comes to some nations aspects of life. Different lifestyles under the same set of government creates a physiological barrier between a nation. The source also shows the differences in Quebec nationalism compared to the rest of Canada. Some groups like the FLQ or the Front for Liberation of Quebec are known for their extremist views of Quebec nationalism. The small group called the FLQ was active in the 1960’s and 1970’s and they

As time goes on, some countries become more relevant in the global sphere while others start to fade away. Canada is a country that only becomes more relevant as time goes on. Since being granted full sovereignty, Canada has had a growing role as a major world player. Much of their international growth has to do with its close ties to the United States and the United Kingdom. However, the country has also undergone huge change and refocusing on a domestic level. With influence from both Europe and the United States, Canada has a very unique system of governing. This paper will focus on a few major areas of Canada. It will look into the history of Canada, the structure of its government, its politics, and many of the major issues it faces today.

Though the beginning of the separatist movement was marred by fighting and violence, the vast majority of the conflict has been a political one. The reason for the revolution in Quebec stems from the restrictions placed upon the populace by the English. These restrictions were on both the language and culture of the Quebecois, and caused them to feel trapped in under the English rule, for lack of a better term. This revolution is on a much less certain foot than the others however, with many of the younger citizens not remember the restrictions of days

Nationalism is an important aspect of national pride and identity for countries around the world. For example, Canada takes pride in its cultural identity, one that is claimed to be different from other ‘Western’ more ‘industrialized’ nations, such as countries in Europe, and the United States. Even though Canada currently has a national identity that differs greatly from that of other more established countries, history has dictated the way in which a particular national identity exists today. In Canada, Samuel De Champlain and the French established colonies that created a cultural clash between the French Europeans, and First-Nations Canadians within the country. However, this notion of French Canadian Nationalism isn’t necessarily embraced by all of the Canadian Population. This paper seeks to analyze important pieces of Canadian History that have contributed to a broken concept of what constitutes Canadian nationalism, with an emphasis on how historic events prevent and affect coherent Canadian Nationalism in modern society. Through the analysis of the notions and histories associated with ‘First-Nations Nationalism’, ‘Quebecois Nationalism’, and a broader ‘Anti-American’ identity embraced by many Canadians, this paper seeks to locate common ground within the culturally diverse Canadian population in order to progress toward a singular coherent

When you hear the term Quebec Nationalism, what do you think of? A province that has a distinct language and culture, or one that wishes to separate from Canada, or both? The issue I would like to talk about is Quebec nationalism, is it compatible or incompatible with a pan-Canadian nationalism, or multiculturalism and should they or should they not separate from Canada.

Québec’s strong national identity inevitably creates a visceral perception of themselves that excludes other cultural groups (Cook 21). While the French and English are locked in conflict, First Nation advances for self-determination are overshadowed. Many choose to forget, but the land and territories that are disputed over by separatists are still, fundamentally, First Nations, and are not subject to claims of sovereignty. (“First Nations Weigh in on Québec Sovereignty Debate” 5).

Nationalism should be accepted in the way that the source portrayed it. That Canada took the land from the First Nations people and claimed it as Canada without agreements with all the First Nations that lived their before Canada gained independence. He or she draws the Canadian flag upside down and on cement, and changes the anthem, by changing the anthem and the Canadian flag the author shows disapproval. That Canada occupying “native land” and shows how the person does not respect Canada. That this source express how the First Nations want to gain back their relationship between the land, which is in their own national interest. That Canada is ignoring their own national interest to pursue Canada’s own national interest.

Since the beginning of Canadian history, regionalism has had a prominent effect on the country`s political system. The concept of regionalism can be defined as a political ideology grounded on a shared sense of place or attachment and is discussed in terms of Canadian society, culture, economy and politics.1 From the days of confederation, Canada has developed into regional cleavages and identities based on various geographical characteristics, traditional lifestyles and economic interests. Two of Canada`s greatest regionally distinct political cultures are known as Western alienation and Quebec nationalism.2 Historically, the lack of regional awareness and accommodation within Canada’s central government has given rise to a great deal

Two thing stood out to me in this week's readings, although they are closely intertwined: the concepts of Canadian nationalism and Canadian national identity. These concepts changed greatly between the three Canadian Prime Ministers tenures, St. Laurent, Diefenbaker, and Pearson, respectively and how these concepts have continued to change up to the present day.

The Canadian confederation brought promise and opportunity to a newly independent nation, this nation consisted of Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Quebec. As the only province in Canada with a French speaking minority Quebec faced discrimination and anguish. Its individuals often felt forced to assimilate to English culture causing conflict between the English and French communities. Throughout Canadian history it has been difficult for Quebec to attain the treatment it deserved. It is a result of this treatment that Quebec has previously attempted two referendums for separation. Quebec should not separate from Canada. Quebec, despite being one of the founding provinces wants independence from

The Canadian political landscape has a rich and complex history spanning from ‘sea to sea’, just as the nation itself. Chronicles of dominance, leadership, and association by the United Kingdom, France, and the United States has ultimately shaped the Canadian national consciousness, resulting in the political ideologies and governance we see today. To best describe the characteristic of Canadian politics, one can refer to ‘Fragment Theory’ where a colonial nation, such as Canada, is predominantly influenced from their historic origins. However, recent immigration and economic trends have drastically reshaped the Canadian political spectrum across provinces. The following essay will briefly analyze the evolution of political ideologies across Canada, primarily focusing on the conservative/ neo-liberal model.

For nearly two centuries the inhabitants of New France lived their day to day lives