Posted on 11/22/2006 9:04:30 PM PST by SmithL
TORONTO -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper stunned Parliament on Wednesday by introducing a motion recognizing the French-speaking province of Quebec as a nation within Canada — a moved aimed at pre-empting Quebec's separatist party which intends to do the same.
The Bloc Quebecois said it intends to introduce a motion Thursday that states Quebec is a nation. But the wording of that motion apparently does not include the words "within Canada," leaving federalists to worry it could be misinterpreted.
The flap has reignited passions over whether the French-speaking province should be given independence. Quebecers have twice voted down referendums seeking independence from Canada; the last one was narrowly defeated in 1995.
"Do Quebecers form a nation within a united Canada? The answer is yes," Harper told a cheering House of Commons to numerous standing ovations. "Do Quebecers form an independent nation? The answer is no — and it will always be no."
Harper said the Bloc Quebecois motion was an "unusual request" that could lead to another referendum for Quebec independence.
The issue resurfaced when Michael Ignatieff, a front-runner for the Liberal Party leadership, said the French language, history and culture mark Quebecers as a separate people who should be recognized as a nation under the Constitution.
The Liberals, whose lost power to the Conservatives in January after nearly 13 years, will convene their national convention in Montreal next week and choose their next leader.
The Quebec wing of the Liberals adopted a resolution last month recognizing Quebec as a nation "within Canada" and called for the creation of a task force to advise the next leader on how to make that status official.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?
OK...I want a wall at the northern end of I-87. ;)
Freep a poll!(Canadian. Recognize Quebec as "a nation within a nation"?)
Let them declare independence. Then invade. They surrender. End of problem.
Simple really..
1. Canada declares Quebec independent
2. Canada goes to war with Quebec.
3. Quebec surrenders.
4. Canada laws down the law as victorious power in war.
This could be over by Friday
'Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?"- Queborrhoids. Frenchity, the old French Disease {"Syphilis sive Morbus Gallicus", Fracastoro, 1530]. Used to be syphilis, but must have morphed.
A nation within a nation? It works for Texas:')
Maybe we should invade Quebec????
ROFLMAO!
It reminded me of that French skunk cartoon character, Pepe Le Pew.
chuckling...
Hey! :(
there ya go! nice trade! i second that...do i hear thirds?
One frog in the hand is worth two in the bush
Keep that up and we will pencil around you:')
or is it "two in the pond" or "across the pond"?
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