Qubec is a French-speaking province of Canada but has been considering separation

from it for sometime. The separation of Qubec is a hot controversial issue in Canada
from number of years. Should Qubec be separated from Canada or it will lose its
significance after doing so? Qubcois strongly believe that their province is capable
enough of running on its own. They also believe that Qubec will be better off after
separation (Meadwell, 1993). Canadian living in the other parts of country (even those
who were Qubcois before) condemns the idea of separation. They believe that Qubec
is a strong part of the Canada and will not stay same if got separated.

For centuries there have been disputes regarding minority cultures struggling for their
identities and rights as human beings and citizens. They have been pushed back into the
society, unrecognized by the rest of the world. This practice has been abolished in the
developed countries but in Canada we can see the practice still evolving. Qubec has
been struggling from last four centuries to get its recognition (Martin, 1995). It is the only
state in Canada which made French its official language. In past few years there have
already been two referendums to gain recognition as a distinctive province from Canada
in the eyes of rest of the world. However most of the Canadians fail to understand the
reason behind separation of Qubec to be either demands and need for separation by
Qubcois or is it because of historical reasons (Bothwell, 1998). If Canada would be
able to withstand this separation demand and hold on to Qubec as its province, it would
be able to maintain a large piece of land on its map along with millions of people living
in Qubec and the cultural history of it. But if in case Canada will not be able to hold on

to Qubec it would result in reduction of a large chunk of Canadas debts towards

Qubec. There are many benefits if Qubec gains independence from Canada.

If Qubec gains separatism from Canada there will be no disputes over language
recognition. The historical language dispute between French and English resulted in
bilingualism in Canada (Nielsen, 1993). If separation could go through Canada can
maintain its bilingualism and Qubec can continue with being strictly French nation. It
wouldnt be wrong to argue that separation issue only needs paper work because Qubec
is already on its way separate from that of Canada. Most of the street signs in Qubec are
indicated in French. Qubec has already been developing its own rules and civil laws.
During 1980s a referendum took place on the separatism with failure as majority voted
for No when asked to be separated from Canada (Martin, 1995). Qubec does not want
to be a part of Canada so it can be made a separate country. The reason why referendum
never got success is because people were scared and indifferent about whether Qubec
will be able to run smoothly on its own without being recognized as a part of Canada.

Canada can gain from this separatism if debt is considered. Canada owes 150 billion
Canadian dollars, which is still accumulating as interest grows up (Meadwell, 1993). If
Qubec is set free then 25% of the debt owed by Canada would be the responsibility of
Qubec. A huge portion of debt will be scratched away from Canadas debt books.
Canada will be 35 billion dollars down from its debt in case of separation from Qubec.
The loss occurring due to separation of a whole running economy will be cancelled out
by the profit in shape of decreased debts (Nielsen, 1993). If looked in longer run Qubec

will not be able to run its economy with 25% of debt at the start, leaving it with the
option of borrowing from Canada. The interest paid off by Qubec can then be utilized by
Canada to chunk down its own debts.

Qubec, in previous years, has shown increased number of Francophones at higher levels.
It has flourished its own way in Canada and has proven that it does not need Canada to
make its ways to development more fertile. Francophones have been seen to be at top of
the economy by aiding Canada to produce worlds top class technologies, companies as
well as financial institutions.

In conclusion it is not easy to predict what will happen in Qubec as some of the
Qubcois think that a separate country is highly needed to protect their language and
culture while other people think that this protection is their legal right and can still be
achieved without parting the ways (Williams, 1982). Historically speaking Rene
Levesque and Jacques Parizeu fought for fulfilling the dream of separate Qubec from
Canada but couldnt succeed in their efforts, although their hard work made federal
government to respond to the voices of Qubcois on increasing disputes. It was due to
their efforts which made Canadians see the other side of the coin. The failure of
referendums and downside of support for separatism defeated their struggle. The question
still evolves that will Qubec become an independent country? This will be decided over
time as for now the situation indicates the difficulty in gaining separation.

Reference:
Bothwell, R., & Rothwell, R. (1998). Canada and Qubec: One country, two histories.
UBC Press.
Martin, P. (1995). Association after sovereignty? Canadian views on economic
association with a sovereign Qubec. Canadian Public Policy/Analyse de Politiques, 5371.
Meadwell, H. (1993). The politics of nationalism in Qubec. World Politics,45(02), 203241.
Nielsen, K. (1993). Secession: the case of Qubec. Journal of Applied Philosophy, 10(1),
29-43.
Williams, C. H. (Ed.). (1982). National separatism. Cardiff: University of Wales Press.