Sovereign Québec Presented by Alexandre Rivard Dufresne

The Case for A Sovereign Québec –Jacques Parizeau –Foreign Policy, No. 99. (Summer, 1995), pp

Why select this topic? Nicolas Rivard dit Lavigne ( ) Immigrated from France to Québec in 1648 Augustin-Aimable Rivard dit Dufresne ( ) Founding member of Québec Parliament. August Rivard, dit Dufresne ( ) Immigrated to Minnesota from Québec in late 1860’s. History Major

Histoire du Québec Exploration of Québec Establishment of New France Samuel de Champlain founds Québec City British conquest of Québec British rule in Québec Federal Dominion/ Formation of Canada present- Modern Québec 19 th and 20 th Century Québec dominated by English Candians

Constitutional Amendment of 1982 Contradicted previous government agreements Gave Canada the right to amend its own constitution Negated the importance and existence of Québec English speaking Canadians refuse to recognize the identity of the French speaking Canadiens. Québec’s government has not and will not recognize the amendment. Canadian government and legal system limit Quebec’s power

Demographics Population 7.6 million 85% Speak French 10% Speak English 5% Other Accounts for 20% of Canada’s Population

Économie du Québec 2/3 of Economy is owned domestically 47% of everything produced is exported Positive net exports (exports - imports) Highly educated population/ workforce Bilingual population A major trading partner of America Sovereignty would benefit Québec, and hurt Canada Québec has little influence on Bank of Canada

Foreign Relations Québec became a part of English Canada by force and not by choice. American government has positive relations with Canada. Both Clinton and Bush avoided the issue of Québec sovereignty. Queen Elizabeth of England is the head of state of Canada. Canadian foreign relations are dictated by English speaking Canadians who ignore the French speaking Canadiens.

Treatment of Minorities in Quebec Québec was first province to recognize the identity and importance of native tribes. Respects the contributions made by English speaking Québecers. Upon becoming sovereign, would pass legislation allowing the English speaking minority to conduct their business and lives in English. Minorities in Quebec would be treated far better than the Canadian government treats the French Canadiens.

You will discuss this picture

Discussion Question 1 Why does Canada refuse to acknowledge the identity and culture of its French speaking citizens?

Discussion Question 2 What could Canada do to improve relations between the English speaking majority and the French speaking minority?

Discussion Question 3 Is Quebec justified in seeking independence? Will it ever become a sovereign nation?