A Nation or an Island Unto Itself?

Every corner of our glorious nation is spectacular. From the breathtaking view along the Cabot Trail to the amazing skies on a cold Prairie night to watching a pod of killer whales navigate the waters along the West Coast. And yes, Quebec is one of the many jewels in Canada’s great crown. However, are the Acadians, pioneers and cowboys any less special or distinct than the Quebec people?

Montreal should still be the financial nerve centre of Canada. Unfortunately, separatist sentiment caused capital investment to move west to Toronto. Instead of learning from this experience, politicians and pundits still insist on fanning separatist flames. Perhaps instead of discussing whether Quebec is a nation or a distinct society, the discourse should revolve around the true costs to Quebec of separating from Canada. I would include:

1) Canadian money would be withdrawn from circulation in Quebec. The new nation would have to establish its own monetary system and a method for circulating currency.

2) A new central bank – in line with number 1, Quebec would have to set up a central bank that sets monetary policy and deals with Quebec’s currency fluctuations in the international markets. If you think Canada has a tough time fighting currency speculators, imagine how much fun a nation with a fractional percentage of Canada’s population will have dealing with its “sovereign” currency in the international money markets.

3) New embassies, diplomats and foreign relationships. As an independent nation, Quebec would not be allowed to use Canadian embassies for foreign relations. They would have to construct their own from scratch.

4) New customs initiatives. It would now be incumbent on Quebec to monitor its own borders and waterways. This would include Hudson’s Bay and the Arctic.

5) Quebec would be required to negotiate its own air transport agreements with other nations. Imagine the difficulties of air travel if Canada did not grant Quebec even First Freedom privileges.

6) Quebec would require its own military. The new nation would also be required to develop its military technology without the help of Canada.

Naturally, this is only the beginning of the problems Quebec would face were the province to separate from Canada. Where would they even BEGIN to come up with the money and expertise to address these issues faced by every other nation on the planet? After all, when a teenager decides to run away from home, the parents don’t usually provide that teen with their chequebook. The streets of the Global Village can get pretty mean…