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 Canada. Reasoning’s for sovereignty include the preservation of culture and language, not getting unique status, and having an abundance of natural resources to sustain itself economically. However, the Canadian constitution makes it difficult for a province to be a sovereign nation; although if it was possible there would be numerous implications on society, politics, and the world economy; depending on the type of sovereignty used. As a founding province of Canada Quebec should not want to separate; however, after enduring years of discrimination Quebec is striving for independence. Although a large portion of Quebec’s population wants to separate, not all individuals agree on the type of sovereignty. There are three common types of sovereignty; total independence, sovereignty-association, and federalism. Total independence would entail that Quebec sever all ties with the rest of Canada. Sovereignty-association would involve an independent political system but Quebec would maintain an economic relationship with Canada. Lastly there is federalism which is not a type of separatist movement but rather a movement for change. Federalist strive for a strong government with supporting provincial governments, each level of
Bibliography: "Department of Justice ." Government of Canda. Government of Canda, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2013. . This was used to find the date the official language act was introduced and what it entails "Economy : Québec Portal." Portail Québec Flanagan, Tom. "Clarifying the Clarity Act - The Globe and Mail." Home - The Globe and Mail. N.p., 8 June 2011. Web. 11 Jan. 2013. . I used this source to clarify the Clarity Act, and what it does Heller, Monica Maton, William. "Constitutional Proposals." The Solon Law Archive. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2013. . This website was extended research on the meech lake and Charlotte town accord, and demands put in place bye Quebec Maton, william "Referendum Act." index. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2013. . This source taught me what the referendum act is and how it applies to Quebec in, 1976 the PQ had won power