Quebec a nation within a country?

Question

What kind of BS is this, comrades! Quebec is a nation? Why? Here are the reasons given to us by Harper, Liberals, NDP and Bloc bone heads...
-It is a distinct society- in terms of a unique language, arts, social and religious practices... But isn't most of Canada the same? How about reserves- arn't the people living on them their own nation- with unquie languauges and practices? Or how about Newfounland? I know I know, you Quebec separatists have told me before that they speak english in Newfoundland and that they are the same as the rest of Canada- which begs me to ask- HAVE YA EVER BEEN THERE? They certainly don't speak English by my standards, and believe me, they do have their own special practcies (like kissing the cod!)... It is sad for me to say, but I don't think Quebec is a distinct society, rather an extinct society...
... more to come....

- QUEBEC ACT of 1774- gave Quebec rights to maintain social and religious practices that where brought over from France. Esp. religious- gave Quebec the right to maintain their Roman Catholic beliefs... Also allowed Quebecers to represent themselves politcally... Wasn't this giving them their distinct society, which by today, the Bloc claims they don't have?

Let me know, my fellow Canadians... Which, I believe, only Canadians will ansewer this cause talking international politcs will confuse our American friends...

But MR. ED- what about other provinces and terretories (sorry for spelling mistakes here!)... You have brought up some valid points, and yes, Quebec is special within its culture, but as I stated, so is Newfoundland (a province that is now believed to have been cheated into Confederation)... They have their own slang (a mix of Irish, Scottish and a hint of German) and traditions... Are they not a distinct society within Canada as well? And are the First Nations people really treated like a nation, or second class citizens?

Damn good point elysialaw- also, Manitoba rocks...

Looks like a pissed of a Yank... And of course, your a typical stereotype of an American... Have no clue what your talking about, but lets invade anyways....

Answer 1

I agree, I think it's stupid. Does that mean that the rest of Canada can have english-only labels? Does that mean I no longer have to press '1' for English? Look at me I am asking questions when I should be answering them!

Answer 2

I agree...I don't really see the point..though I don't really see the harm either

.Quebecers know they are different from the rest of Canada, as does the rest of Canada. I am from Manitoba, and you know what...I am different from people in BC.

Aren't we supposed to be a Mosiac of cultures all within Canada. Isn't the whole thing about Canada is that we are all distinct and retain our own cultures but are all Canadian?

My street is 6 houses long and I am white/buddhist/4th generation Canadian. I have a Vietnamese neighbor, an East Indian neighbor, a Metis Neighbor, a native neighbor, and a white neighbor that I know nothing about. Some speak english, some speak broken english, some speak no english. Some are immigrants, some are 3rd generation Canadaian.

We are all Canadian.

Answer 3

You mention the reservations. But they are already called "First Nations". Since the british North America act, Quebecers have been called one of the "Two Founding Nations". You need to realize there is more than one definition of "nation". When we say "a nation within a united Canada", we are making it obvious which definition we mean.
In effect, even less than when we refer to the "Denis nation" or "the Cree Nation"...
I don't see why it worries you.
You say in your added comment that Quebec is already a distinct society. You are quite right. But for some reason, English Canada has been reluctant to use the word, recognizing the fact (even though the tourists come to Quebec for the very fact that it is "a distinct society").

Answer 4

"Which, I believe, only Canadians will ansewer this cause talking international politcs will confuse our American friends..."

How stereotypical, ANY excuse to try and insult an American. You're a Canadian stereotype.

http://bilesnarksneer.typepad.com/bile_snark_sneer/images/south_park_5bthe_biggest_douche_in_the_u.jpg

There's your prize.

As one of your "American friends" I've got to say, the only people who seem to be confused by the Quebec issue is you. To me, morally, the issue is pretty simple. They don't want to be a part of your country anymore, so quit forcing them to be. It will only end badly.