This very post on Quebec was my idea that I am sharing with you, among other examples.
If Quebec goes independent, I would see the Atlantic Provinces immediately becoming U.S states 51st through 54th.
Interesting. Why?
Because he looks at a map like Napoleon Bonaparte. Geographic contiguity appeals to him.
ba dum bum
Actually the assertion of the Atlantic provinces becoming part of the U.S. is not my idea, is the result of a long conversation I had years ago with a friend from Ontario. He claims that the Atlantic provices do not have a sound economy and would not be interested in remaining separated from Western Canada as Alaska is separate from the U.S., they would see themselves profit in joining the U.S. because of the huge ethnic ties they share with New England.
What? I live in Nova Scotia and there really aren’t any huge ethnic ties between “us” and the New Englanders. It sounds like someone is confused and thinks NS still wants to be part of the U.S. as they did in the revolutionary war, not quite so.
Thank you. As I said I only repeated the comment from one person who isn’t even from the Atlantic provinces.
What is you position on Canada should Quebec break away?
Sure. If they want to be their own country, go for it. The fact that they are a huge welfare dump, makes it even better.
Sorry, I did not make myself clear. I meant, what is your position on the Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick should Quebec secede and physically isolate those provinces from Ontario and Western Canada?
@Rubén: Nearly impossible. Historically, even if there is geographic separations, provinces remain together. What about the Netherlands and the Netherlands Antilles? Gibraltar and the UK? Somewhat different, but still. A more similar case, maybe, Russia and Kaliningrad?
Very interesting, Susi. I always thought they would either become part of the US, or have their own independence, or even have some sort of union with independent Québec. The notion of Canadian separatism is so old that somehow I never considered the possibility you are listing as viable. Now it makes sense to me.
Rubén: The Maritimes provinces are quite different culturally from Québec. Most of the Acadiens were kicked out by the British some time ago (mid/late 18th century), making the point that the majority would desire Union with Québec void. Also, you do not take into account the rabid hatred of America that is inside nearly every Canadian. America has done much to gain the spite and dislike of Canadians via unfair tariffs and inconsideration of Canadian sovereignity. It’s very odd to hear someone speaking in praise of America (except now, in praise of their new president).
Consequently, the Maritimes would remain part of Canada. If I recall as well, there has been no separatist movement in these provinces like in Alberta, for example.
There is also a separation movement in BC. You can google CASCADIA to learn more.
The only significant separatist movement nationally is the Québecois one which has dominated Canadian politics.
Most places do have such movements, but does anyone really care? It’s mostly a handful of people who wish for a different way of government but most people are relatively comfortable with the way things are (thus the failure of these movements) ^^
Who cares? I’ll still be the exact same distance from Ontario and Western Canada. Plus, It’s not like airplanes don’t (assuming Quebec won’t allow shipping for some reason)
What? I’ve never seen much rabid hatred of America within NS.
Newfoundland has a fairly large seperatist movement and Nova Scotia has long had separitist movements, some quite large, things have eased considerably since though.
I kinda understand this, but I wouldn’t say it is rabid. Most of the Canadians I know roll their eyes and basically go, “Those crazy Americans…”
But it sounds like you might be from deeper within the country than me. I’m in a border town although I’ve lived in Albert and BC away from the border.
@Angurse: Not significant enough to impact on national politics as the Québec movement does.
In regards to the hatred of America… perhaps it is just Ontarians and Québécois who I encounter? Though I’ve heard the same from those from BC and even from NS.
Right now I live in Toronto. Before I didn’t live very far away but far enough to not be considered in the GTA. I think ti’s more the closer to the border/the American tourists the more one dislikes them… ugh, American tourists ;_;
I meant, and perhaps this is specific to the Bush era which will be over soon. But in the recent past, any firm with enough market share has devised mechanisms, in symbiosis with the government, to have a monopolistic drive and gain further market share.
I understand provinces, as they are, have much more provincial power than states do in the US… that is, the Canadian federal government is comparatively weaker than the U.S federal government.
If that is the case, that would explain you assertion that Québecois are relatively comfortable with the way things are, and why in the long run it seems that Canada will hold together.
It is interesting to note that Canada has become recently a mecca of immigration. Lots of people worldwide choose Canada over the U.S. as their first choice for emigration to North America. They like the lack of government intrusion like in the U.S., they like the fact that their children won’t be enrolled into wars at a moment’s notice.