A Nation in Peril; The Economic Consequences of Quebec Separation
The controversial question of a possible referendum has long been part of the political and social friction between Quebec and the rest of Canada. It is especially contentious because it not only encompasses economic issues, but sovereignty and social issues as well. It can be seen today that the separatist movement is far from over. Separatists in Quebec persist in their claim that the rest of Canada still fails to adequately recognize their unique culture. They believe themselves to be a disadvantaged minority in Canada, and as a result, their political leaders have called referendum after referendum. However, the issues revolving Quebec’s independence are not as simple as a yes or no vote. Throughout the issues history, separatist party leaders have put forth very controversial terms of separation; put in brief, they want full independent recognition while getting countless benefits from the Canadian government and economy. How could this be fair to other provinces? Or perhaps a far larger concern would be what sort of message this puts across to other minority groups in Canada. Referendum after referendum, the vote has turned out with a majority ‘no’, but despite the persistent refusal by the majority of Quebecers to form a separate entity, politicians persist. But putting social issues aside for the moment, there are more disastrous concerns lying in another realm. The separation of Quebec to form its own nation would undoubtedly prove to be an economic and political disaster for both Quebec and Canada. The fact that these issues are tied in with social passions just make the issue even more delicate. As John McCallum puts it, “If passions dominated economic rationality and the breakup were bitter and acrimonious, the consequences would be much worse”. McCallum is Chair and Professor of Economics at McGill University in Montreal. His reasoning coincides with those of many other economists, but like any other economic forecast, it is hard to predict the true possibilities of such a major event.
A Brief History of the Quebec Separatist Movement
The controversial question of a possible referendum has long been part of the political and social friction between Quebec and the rest of Canada. It is especially contentious because it not only encompasses economic issues, but sovereignty and social issues as well. It can be seen today that the separatist movement is far from over. Separatists in Quebec persist in their claim that the rest of Canada still fails to adequately recognize their unique culture. They believe themselves to be a disadvantaged minority in Canada, and as a result, their political leaders have called referendum after referendum. However, the issues revolving Quebec’s independence are not as simple as a yes or no vote. Throughout the issues history, separatist party leaders have put forth very controversial terms of separation; put in brief, they want full independent recognition while getting countless benefits from the Canadian government and economy. How could this be fair to other provinces? Or perhaps a far larger concern would be what sort of message this puts across to other minority groups in Canada. Referendum after referendum, the vote has turned out with a majority ‘no’, but despite the persistent refusal by the majority of Quebecers to form a separate entity, politicians persist. But putting social issues aside for the moment, there are more disastrous concerns lying in another realm. The separation of Quebec to form its own nation would undoubtedly prove to be an economic and political disaster for both Quebec and Canada. The fact that these issues are tied in with social passions just make the issue even more delicate. As John McCallum puts it, “If passions dominated economic rationality and the breakup were bitter and acrimonious, the consequences would be much worse”. McCallum is Chair and Professor of Economics at McGill University in Montreal. His reasoning coincides with those of many other economists, but like any other economic forecast, it is hard to predict the true possibilities of such a major event.
A Brief History of the Quebec Separatist Movement
The thoughts of separation between the Francophones and the Anglophones can be traced back as far as the 1700’s. However, the most influential and significant movements relevant for this topic and for sovereignty can be seen throughout the 1900’s and in contemporary society. Some would argue that the whole issue of a referendum got started and hit its peak intensity in the 1960’s. During this time, Quebec became the center of a terrorist movement to separate Quebec from the rest of Canada to form a French speaking nation; as Canada at the time recognized only English as its official language. The roots of separatism therefore emerged to be mainly based on culture and race. Separatists also insisted that Canada was holding them back in terms of government policies. The leading terrorist group in the 1960’s and 1970’s, known as the FLQ (Front de Liberation du Quebec), lead a movement against Anglophones and the government (Black October). Known as ‘Black October’ in 1970, it was the peak of terrorist actions against the government, including over 400 bombings, and the kidnapping of political leaders. This period came to be known as Canada’s worst peacetime crisis, and one which initiated a long battle to come (Ibid). The issues of independence is still important today because although Canada recognized both English and French as the official languages of Canada in 1974, many people feel nothing has really been accomplished (The Roots of Quebec Separation). Quebec is still a francophone province, with 80% of its population speaking French, and there is still active separatism within it (Ibid). Although the issue has calmed down since the events of the 1960’s, the root concerns and issues brought forth by the separatist movement are still present. A referendum held in 1980 for Quebec to become an independent nation was wholly turned down, and the same outcome was seen in 1992. However, in 1995, the votes took a shocking and drastic turn about. The referendum results were 50.58% ‘No’, and 49.42% ‘Yes’, the closest call in history (The Roots of Separatism).
The Results of the 1995 Referendum – (Nationalism and French Canada)
No
50.58%
2,362,648
Yes
49.42%
2,308,360
Valid Ballots
98.18%
4,757,509
Rejected Ballots
1.82%
86,501
Participation Rate
93.52%
4,757,509
Registered Voters
---------
5,087,009
“No” Majority
1.16%
54,288
What this shows is that the younger generations seem to be more inclined to separate than those slightly older generations of the recent past. Furthermore there is a clear separation of the people who vote for or against this issue. The natives in northern Quebec almost entirely vote no, as well as those in most urban areas. It tends to be the more ‘old fashioned’ rural areas of Quebec voting the overwhelming ‘yes’. As one FLQ member, Paul Rose, had said, “ I didn’t belong to any political party, I just decided to join and protest as a Quebequoi. Our parents were nationalists, it’s something that all Quebecers grew up with…”(Black October).
Since the close call of 1995, the separatist movement has not really increased in intensity. The following chart shows the support throughout the past (notice the peaks in support) Examples:
-1981, Parti Quebecois (PQ) wins re-election
- 1994, PQ wins majority in Quebec – 1995, referendum
Chart Citation : (Nationalism and French Canada)
The Results of the 1995 Referendum – (Nationalism and French Canada)
No
50.58%
2,362,648
Yes
49.42%
2,308,360
Valid Ballots
98.18%
4,757,509
Rejected Ballots
1.82%
86,501
Participation Rate
93.52%
4,757,509
Registered Voters
---------
5,087,009
“No” Majority
1.16%
54,288
What this shows is that the younger generations seem to be more inclined to separate than those slightly older generations of the recent past. Furthermore there is a clear separation of the people who vote for or against this issue. The natives in northern Quebec almost entirely vote no, as well as those in most urban areas. It tends to be the more ‘old fashioned’ rural areas of Quebec voting the overwhelming ‘yes’. As one FLQ member, Paul Rose, had said, “ I didn’t belong to any political party, I just decided to join and protest as a Quebequoi. Our parents were nationalists, it’s something that all Quebecers grew up with…”(Black October).
Since the close call of 1995, the separatist movement has not really increased in intensity. The following chart shows the support throughout the past (notice the peaks in support) Examples:
-1981, Parti Quebecois (PQ) wins re-election
- 1994, PQ wins majority in Quebec – 1995, referendum
Chart Citation : (Nationalism and French Canada)
The nationalists in Quebec are currently trying to build back the political will to get the ball rolling once again, but it seems now more than ever that there is a lot more awareness of what separation would really entail. The question must also be clear, and the conditions of separation can no longer be as indecisive as they were in the past. The issue is still important today for all of these reasons; the nationalists in Quebec still want what they wanted 50 years ago, and the economic forecasts of a possible separation in today’s society are seemingly getting worse.
If Quebec were to be compared to other nations that have actually gone through this similar process of separation, a disturbing trend emerges. The very fact that there is so much emotion tied in to the issue puts it on a different level. It would be nice to say emotions and grudges wont be a factor, but human nature says that simply cant be the case. If one looks at the Czech-Slovak separation as an example the evidence of social economic damage is evident. Slovakia’s relations with much of the Czech Republic went downhill (If Quebec Goes) Quebec may very well find the same scenario occurring with western Canada. After Slovakia’s separation, they experienced a 9% decrease in production over two years and their unemployment rate went up by 3% (Ibid). The possibility of the same outcome is very likely in Quebec due to reasons discussed in the next section of this paper. One can also compare Quebec separation to that of the American civil war, and separation of the southern States. After separation, the southern states found they could not support themselves. They lacked all of the crucial societal sectors that they once benefited from with the northern states such as manufacturing and industrial sectors (Sectionalism). This can be seen with Quebec as well, as the rest of Canada surely generates wealth for them in Agriculture, production and natural resources. however, the northern states also lost the benefit of many raw materials gained from the south, and so there is seen a loss to both sides (Ibid). Canada needs Quebec to support many sector of the overall economy. Just one example would be their hydro generation.
Many other independence movements are difficult to compare to Quebec. although many European countries have undergone separation, they were not for the same reasons, or acting under the same system of government. Take Croatia and Yugoslavia for example; the main reasons there were political due to the attempts to escape communism (Economic Growth). In this case, the European Union (EU) offered acceptance, and economic aid was offered by countries such as the USA (Ibid). This however is not the case for Quebec, as it is mainly about racial independence, and they will have a much harder time finding sympathy as a country trying to escape communist rule. Furthermore, Quebec could not be accepted into the EU simply because non of its assets lie on European soil. The only possibility for Quebec to join would be if a European nation such as France were to adopt them, but that would be defeating the purpose of separation in the first place.
If Quebec were to be compared to other nations that have actually gone through this similar process of separation, a disturbing trend emerges. The very fact that there is so much emotion tied in to the issue puts it on a different level. It would be nice to say emotions and grudges wont be a factor, but human nature says that simply cant be the case. If one looks at the Czech-Slovak separation as an example the evidence of social economic damage is evident. Slovakia’s relations with much of the Czech Republic went downhill (If Quebec Goes) Quebec may very well find the same scenario occurring with western Canada. After Slovakia’s separation, they experienced a 9% decrease in production over two years and their unemployment rate went up by 3% (Ibid). The possibility of the same outcome is very likely in Quebec due to reasons discussed in the next section of this paper. One can also compare Quebec separation to that of the American civil war, and separation of the southern States. After separation, the southern states found they could not support themselves. They lacked all of the crucial societal sectors that they once benefited from with the northern states such as manufacturing and industrial sectors (Sectionalism). This can be seen with Quebec as well, as the rest of Canada surely generates wealth for them in Agriculture, production and natural resources. however, the northern states also lost the benefit of many raw materials gained from the south, and so there is seen a loss to both sides (Ibid). Canada needs Quebec to support many sector of the overall economy. Just one example would be their hydro generation.
Many other independence movements are difficult to compare to Quebec. although many European countries have undergone separation, they were not for the same reasons, or acting under the same system of government. Take Croatia and Yugoslavia for example; the main reasons there were political due to the attempts to escape communism (Economic Growth). In this case, the European Union (EU) offered acceptance, and economic aid was offered by countries such as the USA (Ibid). This however is not the case for Quebec, as it is mainly about racial independence, and they will have a much harder time finding sympathy as a country trying to escape communist rule. Furthermore, Quebec could not be accepted into the EU simply because non of its assets lie on European soil. The only possibility for Quebec to join would be if a European nation such as France were to adopt them, but that would be defeating the purpose of separation in the first place.
The Economic and Social Costs of Quebec Separation
The list of economic and social consequences of separation go on and on for both Quebec and Canada. Economically, and perhaps one of the biggest blows to Canada, would be the extreme amount of tax loss. According to Statistics Canada 2006 census, Quebec had a population of 7,546,131; that makes it the second largest province by population, and all that tax money would be lost. Other than this, much of the major economic losses lie in the short term for both Canada and Quebec. Separation would negatively impact business throughout both nations, due to the “lets wait and see” attitude of potential investors. There would also be issues over federal debts, and business ownership. Even considering Canada’s monetary losses through taxes and business, Quebec wishes to have full Canadian support with currency, military, and other major backbone sectors of society which tax dollars pay for. This is no doubt a lose-lose situation for all of Canada and seems like a win-win for Quebec.
This however is not saying Quebec will only benefit, for the economic effects of separation would surely prove to be disastrous for both Canada and Quebec. But as any issue of this magnitude there are pros and cons. The main factors proving overall ruin are that separation would be disastrous in economic, political, and social regards, are as follows. A large part of the Canadian economy is based in businesses and corporations. Investors are constantly innovating and improving their assets in Canada. If a separation were to occur, it would cause massive uncertainty among the investing world in Canadian business, especially those based in Quebec. Many businesses that are based in Quebec could have to face different policies, taxation laws, and countless other changes including damage to the labour force. This would certainly drive some business out of Quebec to avoid the uncertain economic times. It is estimated that up to 15% of the 1.4 million jobs in Montréal could be lost (If Quebec Goes). In the short run, Quebec would suffer as its own nation, as it would have to assume a large portion of the Canadian debt, perhaps even as much as 22%-27%, (Ibid). Quebec would also lose the annual monetary benefits divided up between provinces, which would be a loss of about 3 billion dollars annually (Ibid). These newly acquired deficits would be added to Quebec’s now shaky economy, and put Quebec’s debts at around 11%-13% of their GDP, that of which would also take a hit (The Economics of Quebec Separation). Quebec also has a history of high unemployment rates, and with uncertainty in the economic markets during the transition phase, unemployment could be a cause for concern (If Quebec Goes). If many people decide to move to Canada, or change their business locations and asset values, this could cause the unemployment and the possible 15% job loss. The following chart is taken from statistics Canada, and shows a slowly recovering trend, but Quebec’s history is still high compared to other provinces. (Ontario = 6.3) (Ibid).
This however is not saying Quebec will only benefit, for the economic effects of separation would surely prove to be disastrous for both Canada and Quebec. But as any issue of this magnitude there are pros and cons. The main factors proving overall ruin are that separation would be disastrous in economic, political, and social regards, are as follows. A large part of the Canadian economy is based in businesses and corporations. Investors are constantly innovating and improving their assets in Canada. If a separation were to occur, it would cause massive uncertainty among the investing world in Canadian business, especially those based in Quebec. Many businesses that are based in Quebec could have to face different policies, taxation laws, and countless other changes including damage to the labour force. This would certainly drive some business out of Quebec to avoid the uncertain economic times. It is estimated that up to 15% of the 1.4 million jobs in Montréal could be lost (If Quebec Goes). In the short run, Quebec would suffer as its own nation, as it would have to assume a large portion of the Canadian debt, perhaps even as much as 22%-27%, (Ibid). Quebec would also lose the annual monetary benefits divided up between provinces, which would be a loss of about 3 billion dollars annually (Ibid). These newly acquired deficits would be added to Quebec’s now shaky economy, and put Quebec’s debts at around 11%-13% of their GDP, that of which would also take a hit (The Economics of Quebec Separation). Quebec also has a history of high unemployment rates, and with uncertainty in the economic markets during the transition phase, unemployment could be a cause for concern (If Quebec Goes). If many people decide to move to Canada, or change their business locations and asset values, this could cause the unemployment and the possible 15% job loss. The following chart is taken from statistics Canada, and shows a slowly recovering trend, but Quebec’s history is still high compared to other provinces. (Ontario = 6.3) (Ibid).
All of the scenarios that could lead to job loss and climbing unemployment rates a very possible, and in fact the most likely outcome. Keynesian economics focuses of government intervention throughout times like this, however, in the midst of all of the other major changes this may be tough. There would not be adequate government focus on intervention to stop the climbing unemployment rates (If Quebec Goes).
At a time like this, as Canada and the United States lie in economic slowdown (which some fear to be an incoming recession), separation may very well put these countries in one. The new Quebec would also be in for a severely damaged economy, as many head offices and large firms may choose to leave or downsize their assets in Quebec. Having a free market economy means that much of the large movements in business assets could not be stopped. Furthermore, a chain of unfortunate events would start to unfold for Quebec. Many Anglophones (who represent about 20% of Quebec’s population), are likely to emigrate to Canada. This large movement would surely disrupt the economy in terms of business and taxes paid to Quebec. (The Economics of Quebec Separation). The purchasing power of Quebecers is also likely to go down at these times for the following reasons. Sectors of service or sectors integrated on a Canada wide scale would see an increase in costs by about 5% according to economist Marcel Cote. Many service sectors of things such as natural gas and telephone lines would see increased costs, due to the across boarder transfers (Ibid). if Quebecers have to pay more for the staple products and imports of commodities, the overall purchasing power will see a decline in Quebec (Ibid) Politically, a major part of the Canadian government is centered around Quebec, and the fact that Canada is a bilingual country is a result of Quebec. There are more than 25,000 federal civil servants working out of Quebec (for Canada), and if separation were to occur, much of the political sector in Quebec would likely crumble within months (Ibid). This would be due to politician wanting to remain in Canada, an the mass amount of job loss and voter in-confidence. Many speculators like Marcel Cote would also suggest major markets based in Quebec would suffer: “Quebec Dairy Farmers would lose a third of their highly protected market, representing shipments of $1 billion a year to the rest of Canada” (Ibid). This is not to say that Canada will cut ties, however, it does suggest that Quebec would lose it’s protection in Canadian markets. Cote also goes on to suggest that many of the natural resource sections may not suffer significantly. The major exporters will still have ties with other nations to export their goods. It would be the impact on urban areas and smaller private business sectors, due to their reliance on protected sales throughout Canada (If Quebec Goes). One must also look at the economic goals of a country. In order for investments to thrive, there must be political stability. It is seen that every time a referendum vote is present, the Canadian economy is shaken. Imagine the effects if Quebec were to actually follow through with separation. Economic growth is also a major goal, and due to the downsizing and uncertain times of both nations, this could not be accomplished. Price stability would also be a major concern for Canada, and especially for Quebec. The unhealthy state of both economies would surly push Canadian monetary value down, and deflation is possible. This would have a ripple effect on all of Canada, and further discourage investments (Economics Now).
The following gives examples of the different factors that would contribute to deflation in the economy:
Convergence of Adjustment Pressures
Real Shocks:
- Montreal
- Farmers
- protected markets
-others
Restrictive Fiscal Policy:
- Budget Cuts
- Tax increase
- adopted federal debts
Restrictive Monetary Policy:
- high interest rates
- Capital outflow
- loss of investments
Territorial Disputes
(Aboriginals)
All = DEFLATIONARY PRESSUREScitation - (figure 1: If Quebec Goes…)
Canada would also have to negotiate key elements into the negotiation, such as asset division, and government forces division. The Bank of Canada for instance would remain Canadian only, as Cote suggests, and Quebec would only be able to take its share of the assets (Ibid). Other divisions such as those regarding military force would also cause tension. Armed forces division is unlikely to go smoothly since every fighting member is under the title “Canadian Armed Forces”. It becomes easy to see where great possibility for an uprising could occur. Quebec would now have to pay for a national defense force without as much total government revenue. Marcel Cote and other economists estimates that Quebec would have to cut military spending by about 25% , or $700 million (Ibid). This would give Quebec a total military allowance of $2 billion, which is $200 million less than they Currently get from Ottawa (Ibid). Compared to Canada, who spend approximately $385 per capita on military, Quebec would only spend $280 which would be among some of the lowest levels worldwide (Ibid).
Canada would also have to negotiate key elements into the negotiation, such as asset division, and government forces division. The Bank of Canada for instance would remain Canadian only, as Cote suggests, and Quebec would only be able to take its share of the assets (Ibid). Other divisions such as those regarding military force would also cause tension. Armed forces division is unlikely to go smoothly since every fighting member is under the title “Canadian Armed Forces”. It becomes easy to see where great possibility for an uprising could occur. Quebec would now have to pay for a national defense force without as much total government revenue. Marcel Cote and other economists estimates that Quebec would have to cut military spending by about 25% , or $700 million (Ibid). This would give Quebec a total military allowance of $2 billion, which is $200 million less than they Currently get from Ottawa (Ibid). Compared to Canada, who spend approximately $385 per capita on military, Quebec would only spend $280 which would be among some of the lowest levels worldwide (Ibid).
Due to the fact that Economics is seen as a social science, social aspects of this issue must also be addressed. One must look at the image separation would puts out to all other provinces or other minorities. Canada should not be seen as a group of separate entities, but rather a united country of vast diversity and acceptance. The question that must be asked is why should Quebec be able to separate and form its own nation? What if all provinces decided to do this? The separation of Quebec could very well be the first step towards a major Canadian breakdown. If other provinces were to all break off, the economic consequences for Canada would be unimaginable. Losing an entire province means losing an entire part of the countries economy, and it is usually worse for the new nation, as it must ‘rebuild’ itself in one sense. One can compare this again to the struggle of the southern states after their newly claimed independence. One other significant group in Canada is the aboriginal communities. Regardless of other current issues seen between the natives and Canada, there is no doubt that most of the native people would not want to leave Canada (The Economics of Quebec Separation). This is partly because native land claims deal with treaties between Canada and the aboriginal people, and most of Quebec’s land mass is seen as native land. This would undoubtedly unwrap up an all new issue with the native communities. As mentioned before, the native regions of Quebec almost entirely voted ‘No’ in all referendums. Just like the Meech Lake Accord in 1990, the aboriginal communities would not tolerate the injustice, and would one again demand appropriate recognition. (Nationalism in French Canada).
A Brief Look at the Possible Benefits and Long Term Sustainability
It can be generally assumed that in the long run, Quebec may very well be in good shape by global standards. An example of this short term struggle, but long term stability can be found in many of the smaller European countries. If we assume that a separation would happen amicably, there are a few possible benefits for Quebec and Canada. First off, Quebec would get the global recognition it has long strived for, and would hopefully be recognized and accepted by NAFTA, the UN and other international institutions. Quebec would be able to sign agreements, taking part of the armed forces, and setting up common institutions between itself and Canada. The Canadian dollar would be used in Quebec, making trade between Quebec and Canada easier, and more efficient. Accepting this, the PQ also says that they will have little influence, if any, on Canadian monetary policy. Due to a separation, Canada would also be rid of approximately 25% of its federal debt, and would no longer have to support Quebec with its annual division of monetary benefits, a $3 billion savings. Quebec would also no longer assume any debt placed on them by the rest of Canada, and they can manage their own institutions as they wish with their own fiscal policies. In the long run, investors will see the remaining and growing potential in both Canada and Quebec, and business will once again find its place and flourish. Politically, and somewhat humorously, Canada will no longer have to deal with what has been a long and painful battle with the separatists. On the same note, the nationalists in Quebec will no longer feel they are taking a back seat in Canada. Perhaps one of the largest benefits for many people of Quebec is not one of monetary concerns at all. They would finally receive complete recognition as a unique and separate nation. The nationalists in Quebec would get what they have really been after, and as Jane Jacobs puts it, we are all somewhat the same:
“We care that we have a community. We care how our nation fares, care on a level deeper by far than concern with what is happening to the gross national product. Our feelings of who we are twine with the feelings about our nation, so that when we feel proud of our nation we somehow feel personally proud. When we feel ashamed of our nation, …the shame or the sorrow hits home” (The Question of Separatism).
Local Issues, Personal Opinion, and Final Conclusion
The issue revolving Quebec separation seem to hit home not only in Quebec, but all over the rest of Canada as well. I myself even tend to get caught up in the complex issues. The reason behind this is because it doesn’t only affect Quebec, it affects every province in Canada on a political and social level. Quebec is part of Canada, and regardless of how the western provinces feel about the nationalists in Quebec, we should all try to realize we would be losing a part of ourselves. Separation is not so much ridding Canada of a problem as it is creating many new ones in our economy, and ruining our country’s heritage. Quebec does not belong to Quebecers, it belongs to Canadians. In my opinion, such a major political and financial decision should not only be left to one province. Separatists want an independent nation to recognize their independent heritage, but what about Canadian heritage? The predictions laid out under the possible long term benefits are just as the heading suggests, possible, and long term. When it all comes down to it, the rosy scenarios are likely to be far from the reality, and separation will most likely be far from pleasant (If Quebec Goes). It would be difficult to negotiate practical terms of separation, and the shaky economic times presented by separation would make the division of debt and assets a major problem for Canada and Quebec (Ibid). As economic and political times grow hostile, so will the territorial battles between the natives and Quebec. their land treaties and benefits come from Canada, and they would most likely not want to get involved with making new arrangements with Quebec (it isn’t even their jurisdiction). The very hope that these issues can be solved amicably, in my opinion, is ridiculous. As many would say, and I would agree, “Canada is a healthy country convinced it is sick” (Explaining Quebec Separatism). This is especially true for the nationalist in Quebec, who would likely never feel they are satisfactorily represented, and thus we lie in a vicious cycle. Canada tries to please Quebecers, and their political parties respond with more demands, and more blackmail. In a political sense, Quebec has taken Canada hostage. It is in my opinion that the majority of Quebecers supporting separation don’t realize the major impact that this would have on Canada, and on Quebec. They have gotten themselves so tied up in race that they are failing to see what Canada is all about, multiculturalism and unity. Besides these points, the social passions have taken them away from the multitude of economic impacts.
I came across an interesting quote spoken by Lord Durham shortly after arriving in Canada in 1838; “I expected to find a contest between a government and a people; I found to nations warring in the bosom of a single state; I found a struggle, not of principles, but of races” (Nationalism and French Canada). I believe this is what the issue really comes down to, a war of races; a war which should not be fought anywhere, let alone in Canada. Globalization is forcing unity between cultures worldwide, and the thought that Canada is the problem and Quebec becoming an independent nation is the solution is unfounded. The economic consequences placed on Canada and Quebec if separation were to occur are enormous and unaffordable. We would all be affected by the enormous financial losses, the investor in-confidence, and monetary deflation. As Canada rides rough economic times, the impact of separation could very well put it near a recession, and Quebec perhaps in one (If Quebec Goes). Let the other countries given as examples lay out an economic warning for Quebec; for it would be a true tragedy to make the same mistakes. It is my hope that this great nation does not fall victim to these unfortunate happenings. Quebec needs to realize what they have as a part of Canada, and all other provinces must acknowledge their contributions to Canadian society. It is only then that this issue, and the potential threats to the Canadian economy, can be put behind us.
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