Everything you want to know about Quebec independence !

Hello,

This site is meant to offer the curious an insight on the popularity of "independantisme" in Québec.

Where does it come from ? Why is it so popular ?

Quebec and Canada : History

Québec is the heir of French colonization in the 17th century, while Canada is a British dominion.

The Conquest

Quebec was invaded during the French and Indian War, ceded by France in the 1763 "traité de Paris", Peace treaty signed in Paris.

Quebec was recognized as a Province whith its own culture and French Laws in 1774 when London created the "Province of Qubec". Very few English inhabited the province then, although it extended all the way to St Louis.

Part of the concessions had to do with the upcoming Revolution in the 13 colonies. It worked to keep quebecers from joigning in the insurrection. But the Revolution also brought Loyalists, for whom Ontario was cut out of Quebec.

Rebellions of 1837-38 and attempted Independence

In 1791, Ontario (Upper canada) and Quebec (Lower canada), became two distinct colonies, each with an elected Parliament.

But the British governor maintained the priviledge of chossing the government. The Parti patriote demanded repsonsible government. Facing rebuttal after rebuttal, the Patriotes organised "Fils de la Liberté (Sons of Liberty) cells and launched an insurrection, in 1837, in favour of democratic governemnet, equality for citizens of all origins and religions, etc. Robert Nelson even Declared Quebec Independent in 1838.

But the Insurrection was crushed.

Independence today

Those are the roots of the Quebec independence. Quebec has its own national holiday (June 24) since 1834, Canada since 1867.

The two nations, Anglophone and Francophone, have never merged even though the imposed Union in 1840 had the explict goal of assimilation. Failing that, Confederation put Quebecers in a minority. but they agreed to it in exchanged for increased provincial autonomy - which Ottawa combats ever since.

Today, Quebecers realise they have the means, as never before, of their national independence. Sovereignty is the favoured option of about 60% of all Quebecers between the ages of 18 and 65 (a majority of those above 65 is federalist).

Therefore Quebec independence has strong chances of becoming a hard reality in the very near future, as the Parti Quebecois (PQ), presently the official opposition, readies for the next election.