The Québecois: Canada's Largest Distinct Society

The Diversity of Canada

Every year thousands of people immigrate to Canada making it one of the most diverse nations in the world. Modern day foundations for Canada were laid by the first Europeans, English and French settlers. The majority of French immigrants settled in Québec, Canada's largest province, and others, such as the Acadians of Eastern Canada, formed communities elsewhere. Many believe that the difference between the English and French culture is language but the differences are greater and include religion, history and tradition.

	Québec, Canada

In 1980 a referendum was held asking the people of Québec if they wanted to become a sovereign nation, separate from Canada. The majority answered "No" but the Québecois have continued the struggle to maintain their distinct language and culture in Canada. In recent years it has been become increasingly clear that many Québecois still want autonomy: economic independence and the power to exercise their rights without federal government consent. This tension cumulated on October 30, 1995 when Jacques Parizeau, Premier of Québec, led a second referendum. The vote was very close, almost 50%-50%, but a slight majority voted to stay part of Canada.

The Canadian Prime Minister, Jean Chrétien, tabled a resolution in November 1995 in response to this obvious dissatisfaction with Canadian federalism. His government presented a bill to the House of Commons as a means of recognizing Québec as a distinct society. This bill gave five regions of the country, including Québec, veto power over constitutional reform and the power to manage more of their own funds. This measure was not received with enthusiasm, as it was perceived by many as a means of pacifying Québec's population.

The struggle for Québec autonomy continued. However, in August 1998, it was dealt a blow when the Supreme Court of Canada declared that under Canadian constitutional law and international law neither the Québec government nor legislature has a legal right to unilaterally secede from Canada. However, the court did emphasize that if a clear majority of Québec's population voted in favour of sovereignty the rest of Canada has a political obligation to negotiate separation.

Support for separation has declined since the October 1995 referendum but the issue of Québec's autonomy has not been forgotten. Since this time popularity of regionally founded political parties, (such as the Canadian Alliance and Parti Québecois) in the federal government has increased. But Jean Chrétien and his governing Liberal party have held on to their vision of a united Canada.