Читать книгу Why Now Is The Perfect Time to Wave a Friendly Goodbye to Quebec - Lowell Green - Страница 7

On March 18, 2013, with the Charbonneau anti-corruption inquiry at full throttle, I decided to test the waters a bit with a different kind of question on the Lowell Green Show.

“Be honest with me,” I said. “If Quebec, for whatever reason, decided to leave Confederation would you really care?” I went on to say, “I’d really like to hear from some of you who took that trip to Montreal back on October 27,1995. Given similar circumstances would you do it again?”

If ever there was any doubt that another “Unity Rally” would fizzle out, it was surely dispelled during the next two hours. And again the next day. Even the few callers who professed they still cared enough to take that trip to Montreal once more, confessed to becoming as one caller expressed it “battle weary.”

But for the most part callers agreed with me that there may have been a time when they were willing to sport bumper stickers saying “My Country Includes Quebec”, but that no longer is the case. Some callers, as you might expect, launched into anti-Quebec, or anti-bilingual rants, but for the most part you could sense that the callers were just like Jimmy Wainman, tired of the same old, same old and had finally come to the conclusion that an amicable divorce might be best for all.

The following with some editing for length, spelling and grammar, is a cross section of emails I received following the March 18 show. Only when the author provided specific permission to use their full name have I done so.

VOICES

No, I do not care if they separate—just let them do their thing—with no help from the rest of us. Thanks.

Joyce T, Ottawa, ON

~ • ~

I moved from Montreal to Ottawa almost five years ago because I was fed up with mismanagement at both the municipal and provincial levels. Quebec boasts a relatively low unemployment rate, but that’s because one of every six workers in Quebec works for some level of government. That’s 16 times (per capita) the number of civil servants in California and the highest ratio in North America. This is not sustainable in a province that can’t even provide the services that should be associated with such a large public service. My first language is French and I do appreciate what Quebec has done to protect the French language. But this has gone too far.

Walter R, Ottawa, ON

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I believe it is long overdue that Quebec leaves Canada. In my view it is unfortunate that Quebec didn’t leave during Rene Levesque’s day. Certainly the economic uncertainty would be all over by now and the taxpayers would have been spared billions upon billions of money trying to appease Quebec. Allowing Quebec to stay this long has only served to help them gain the maximum advantage over the years for when they do separate which is inevitable.

Louise H, Ottawa, ON

~ • ~

Are you kidding me? Every day I commute to work through China Town then past the Greek area, followed by Little Italy. Do you really think anyone around here gives a damn what happens with Quebec? Let’s face it, in Toronto these days we’re too busy trying to figure out the dozens of different languages on our storefronts while fighting the world’s worst traffic to worry about Quebec. Give me a break!

Ansell Wilmott, Toronto, ON

~ • ~

The sooner they leave the better!

Rick T, Ottawa, ON

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I am a 24-year-old white educated Anglophone male. I have never lived in a Canada where Anglophones had the same rights as our Francophone brothers; as a matter of fact I have never had the privilege of seeing the Quebec “nation” as an integral part of Canada. My generation has grown up seeing our political leaders do nothing but pander and surrender to the separatists’ demands. Usually this resulted in using the rest of Canada’s tax dollars to advance their apartheid-like anti-Anglophone agenda.

I’ve grown up feeling like a second-class citizen in my own country. I’ve never lived in an era where Quebec contributed to Canada or showed gratitude to the rest of Canada. I have never known, nor will my children know, a Canada that includes Quebec, for whether the province is within Canada’s political boundaries, the Quebecois (with the help of our political leadership) has made it clear that Quebec is NOT part of Canada. This is why I believe it is time to wish Quebec a well-earned farewell!

Darius Campeau, Carleton Place, ON

~ • ~

Quebec is ready for separation. Canada should begin negotiations to agree on what conditions to implement the process. It has been a never-ending theme since 1970. Quebecers always have followed the philosophy that “We want more in order to stay.” No more drain on the Canadian economy. I do not agree that we should have a European Union kind of agreement when they go. We should do the same as Czechoslovakia did. A straight split with no strings attached.

Vince from Alajuela, Costa Rica

~ • ~

I am not prepared to abandon Quebec just yet and I am surprised you are. You have always been such a staunch defender of Quebec and its role in Confederation. What in the world has happened to you? I understand your frustration. I am frustrated as well, but we need Quebec, if for no other reason than to differentiate ourselves from the Americans.

Helen Smithson, Collingwood, ON

~ • ~

I believe it is inevitable that Quebec will separate from Canada. Yes I have “French” fatigue. It would save the rest of Canada billions of dollars in transfer payments. I feel absolutely no animosity—I’m just tired. A divorce can be done amicably with the English. But I don’t know about the native Canadians! Hummmmm.

Caroline A, Ottawa, ON

~ • ~

Let me tell you out here in flatland Saskatchewan no one gives a grain of barley what happens in Quebec. We wouldn’t mind a bit of a thank you for all the money we poor farmers out here are shipping off for seven-dollar daycare in Quebec. Spent some time a few years ago in the Pontiac area. Great people but of course they’ll still be there after separation. Heck, if not they are more than welcome to come out here to God’s country. I could use a couple more deck hands during harvest.

Farmer George Cross, Battleford, SK

~ • ~

My simple opinion. Take your share of the Federal debt. Leave our Ontario healthcare and jobs alone and leave—see ya.

Serge, heart transplant recipient, Ottawa, ON

~ • ~

October 27,1995, I heard the call. I was there in Place du Canada proudly waving my Canadian flag hoping against hope that enough of my fellow Canadians in Quebec could see and hear how much we wanted them to continue to be part of our wonderful Canadian family. Would I do it again? Yes in a heartbeat. I know all the frustrations, the demands for more and more, but don’t you think that a good bit of the responsibility for all of that rests with Federal Governments which over the years have given Quebec just about everything they wanted? I mean, come on. If all you had to do in order to get a nice new swimming pool at your house was throw a snit you’d be throwing snits all over the place. If we in the rest of Canada are willing to pour tens of billions of dollars into that province why would the province not rush to accept it all?

We still need Quebec. It’s part of Canada and I hope it always will be, but I do agree the time has come to stop the transfer payments to all provinces and insist that they get their acts together, their books in order and as the Scottish leader says—stand on their own two feet!

Sharon W.T., Kanata, ON

~ • ~

I’ve just dumped a few gallons of crazy glue in the Ottawa River. That should keep our provinces together!

Terry Toll, Campbells Bay, QC

~ • ~

Would I care if Quebec were to become an independent nation? Good question, and I’ve done a lot of thinking about it. I suspect that number one, separation is inevitable. I mean can you name me a single nation in the world that is able to successful encompass more than one language or even more to the point more than one distinct culture? Look at all the other countries that have hived off separate, independent nations. Ireland, Czechoslovakia, the Balkans, half of Africa, and now even Scotland looks like it wants to march off to its own bagpipes! Could it be accomplished without rancour, without violence? I think so. Good heavens, the Czech Republic and Slovakia managed to go their separate ways with no fighting and they had a much tougher job defining borders than we would today with Quebec.

And I must confess I agree with you that attitudes have changed in the rest of Canada. A few years ago we would have been mad as hell if Quebec voted to separate, but today I suspect most of us wouldn’t mind at all, although I’ve go to tell you down here in South Western Ontario we’re much more concerned about those damned big windmills they keep planting on our farms than we are about the fate of Quebec.

Gerald Poirier, Forest, ON

~ • ~

Lowell I could not care less if Quebec decided to leave Canada, just so long as I could still buy cheap beer and bring it back to Ottawa!

R.B. Ottawa, ON

~ • ~

Two or three years ago, I suggested to you that all of Canada should hold a referendum about Quebec separating. I predicted that such a vote across the country would result in Quebec separating. You seemed quite put out by the idea at the time. I still believe that there should be another referendum only with all Canadians voting. That way we’d finally get rid of that festering sore called Quebec, that’s sucking so much of our resources in an attempt to sustain it.

Ken McNairn, Ottawa, ON

~ • ~

Quebec: No it would not bother me at all. I say go. I am a separatist from Ottawa. So yes please go. They have already left culturally so all we have to do is count up the money they owe us. Imagine; we could have a foreign country on the other side of the river. We could use our passports to go to the casino. Good luck. I’ll get some maudit beer and poutine in celebration and update my passport.

Jeremy Swanson, Ottawa, ON

~ • ~

I don’t know what’s wrong with you people up there in Ottawa. Of course we would all care very much if Quebec were to ever leave Canada. My Canada always includes Quebec and you people who think otherwise should all be ashamed of yourselves.

Annie Green, Mississauga ON

~ • ~

I would support Quebec leaving, but not from the position of the advantage to Quebec and their aspirations. I say this only from the perspective of the weariness of their griping and the great cost to Canada. Not just financial cost, but the psychology of having always to deal with a spoiled child. Time to cut the child loose.

Doug K, Ottawa, ON

~ • ~

Mr. Green, I find your comments intriguing to say the least. I think you have not fully researched the implications of Quebec separation. As a resident of Atlantic Canada we have thought about it long and hard, probably more so than most Canadians. I believe it could mean the end of Canada. Probably not tomorrow but certainly within ten years (two election cycles) Note: This has nothing to do with party affiliation, but with geography and history.

Atlantic Canada would not survive. We would seek closer ties with the northeastern United States. If you know our history, the Atlantic Provinces have always had a special relationship with the northeastern U.S. This relationship would be strengthened and would lead to some sort of economic and perhaps political union with the U.S. In fact, I believe the U.S. would seek it.

I ask you what would happen to the French populations in New Brunswick, northern Ontario and Manitoba? While they are quiet today, I ask you would the West still support a bilingual country? I think we both know the answer to that question. Then these populations will become more vocal and more isolated.

I think the center of power will shift to the West. Ontario will feel more isolated. I think Ontario will probably move to go its own way very quickly.

No, Mr. Green, we need one another. What we need is a political leader be he or she Liberal, Conservative, NDP or some other, maybe Canada Party who will take on this problem. The last political leader who did was PM Trudeau and he was vilified. We need someone with a vision who thinks of all of Canada and not its individual parts. We need to look at this in our universities and resolve it or Canada, as we know it will disappear and the world will be a poorer place.

Michael C, Atlantic Canada

~ • ~

For those Canadians who still worry about Quebec separating from Canada and becoming an independent country, it has essentially already happened. The only real obstacle to full Quebec independence is that we insist that they pay their own bills. As you know the rest of Canada will pour almost $8 billion into that province as part of the Federal Government’s support via our famous transfer payments. What does the rest of Canada get in turn for this? You tell me!

Mark Kerr, Ottawa, ON

~ • ~

We are overdue in cancelling dual citizenships in Canada so I believe a week after Quebec separates would be the perfect time to do that. It would give more meaning to Quebecer votes then. I don’t want Quebec influencing us after they are gone.

Pete M, Brockville, ON

~ • ~

When Quebec separates in order to protect their culture, it will then become a precedent for the rest of Canada to take similar steps to protect our language and culture. It is insanity for people to dilute their own culture to the point of extinction. Quebec knows this and let us in the rest of Canada cheer their hopeful future which ultimately will be ours.

Mike Rowe, Nepean, ON

~ • ~

For some time I, and many others, have concluded that we should encourage Quebec to separate. However, it is the terms and conditions that are important to the rest of Canada as well as groups within Quebec such at the Cree Indians.

The Crees have already declared that they would stay within Canada and that they would take over the LeGrande hydro project and if necessary temporarily disable it in a non-destructive manner. I am privy to their plan.

The borders would have to be returned to where they were prior to Quebec joining Canada and the St. Lawrence Seaway would remain within Canada. All transfer payments would cease.

All military bases in Quebec would be closed and transfers made available to all, including Quebecers who swear loyalty to Canada.

There are many other issues to be negotiated but these are some of the more obvious and crucial items.

Michael in Barrhaven, ON

~ • ~

I lived in Gatineau for many years and saw the writing on the wall in 2003. It was time to leave. I have family still there, my son married a Quebecer and their home language is French. I speak to my granddaughter in English and maybe she will eventually be able to speak English. I say it is time to cut the apron strings and let the province go and grow up. Let the province take care it itself, financially and emotionally.

Kay Matthews, Ottawa, ON

~ • ~

I think Quebec should separate, always have. But for reasons I have never heard anyone mention. We have grown as a country, similar to a family. Today, just as with children, Quebec has grown strong and mature enough to stand on her own. One advantage would be that English-speaking people would finally be able to get a job with their own government.

Yarrum, Kanata, ON

~ • ~

Tyler here. Yes Lowell, it is time for them to go! They hate us and it is a slap in the face every minute they remain part of Canada.

Tyler Buglar, Ottawa, ON

~ • ~

I agree with Quebec separation, but for different reasons than you and your listeners have stated. I want Quebec to become a proud and independent nation since that is the only way we can preserve our language and culture.

You in English Canada obviously don’t care as much about your culture as we do in Quebec since you have allowed yourself to become diluted to the point where in some cities—Vancouver for example—English is now the second language. We will not allow that to happen in Quebec. Here we are adamant that we will preserve and enhance our language and culture. If the rest of Canada doesn’t care about its heritage that’s too bad for you, but we are not going to be caught in the same self-defeating trap.

James Morris, Ste. Jerome, QC

~ • ~

As someone who was born in Montreal and left the province in 2005, I can safely say that not only will Canada not mind Quebec separation, but many Canadians would vote to expel the province from Confederation. Quebec is normally labeled as a progressive state, but in reality, it is the most regressive state in the free world. The province enacts laws that restrict education, restrict innovation and promote discrimination. We as a nation celebrate equality, justice, fairness to all—concepts shockingly absent from Quebec. My opinion: Hand them their hat and show them the door.

Arron K, Pembroke, ON

~ • ~

Yes French speaking Quebecers are entitled to be concerned about the survival of their language and culture. But not at the expense of trampling others’ rights.

Bryan K, Ottawa, ON

~ • ~

I heard you suggest that with separation, Quebec minorities might not face as much discrimination. You make an interesting point, although, fact is we cannot be sure. There is no question that in some quarters there is a genuine dislike, sometimes even a hatred of minorities, especially the English speaking kind, but it is also true that in the minds of many Quebecers their only concern is the preservation of their language and culture.

If Quebec became an independent nation there is no question the need to drive the Anglos out of the province would be lessened considerably. In fact it can be argued that once Quebec achieves total control over its own nation, Anglos will be much more welcome. That’s presuming of course that good will and some common sense survive. Not much of that these days, sadly in Quebec.

Andre Cadotte, Montreal, QC

~ • ~

Lowell, Quebec is already gone. Quebec has its own civil code, has not signed onto the Constitution, or the Canada Health Act. It controls its own immigration as well as representing itself on many entities of the UN such as UNESCO. The only difference is that it doesn’t have an anthem and has someone else paying the bills.

On the financial side nothing will change. Transfer payments will be renamed foreign aid and bilingualism policy won’t change because the Franco-Ontarians will form the new beachhead for French culture preservation. All government departments whether federal, provincial or municipal will still promote bilingualism. So what is new to care or not care about? I do find it bizarre however that Canada would cede all of the Quebec territory to that new nation, which would be contrary to the Ungava Treaty.

John K, Ottawa, ON

~ • ~

My feeling Lowell is that I really don’t care anymore. They can keep their culture and language but official bilingualism in the rest of Canada must be scrapped as it is ruining our country. You say that those in a separated Quebec could still have dual citizenship and a Canadian passport. Does this mean that these individuals could still come into the rest of Canada, work for the federal government, and take jobs away from the rest of Canadians like they do now in our hospitals, building trades, etc. just because they are bilingual? And with dual citizenship would they be allowed to run for Parliament and even become Prime Minister of Canada? That would be going too far in my opinion.

Deacon Moran McMahon, Orleans, ON

~ • ~

We’re talking about the potential breakup of the best country in the world. How could anybody in his or her right mind not care? Shame on those who don’t care!

Jim H. sent from an iPhone

~ • ~

Lowell, whatever happens, this time all Canadians must be given the opportunity to have a say. On two occasions in the past it has been Quebec and Quebec alone that was allowed to determine the fate of the entire country. No more. The next time we all get a say—we all get a vote. No more tail wagging the dog!

Ann Gravelle, Gatineau, QC

~ • ~

Often it seems like Quebec is the tail wagging the dog. I live in Ontario and one does get fed up with what goes on in Quebec and their demands to the rest of Canada. I don’t like how they treat the Anglophones either. There seems to be this double standard.

From their standpoint they may be sadly surprised if they ever do get their independence. They will probably have even less say in trade with Canada and the U. S. There is one common analogy about Canada in bed with the elephant next door. (The U.S.) We know how that often works out! You make the analogy about an amicable divorce, but Quebec may end up pining for the old girlfriend they gave up!

George C, Ottawa, ON

~ • ~

I’m all for a divorce just so long as Quebec doesn’t get the gold mine and Canada gets the shaft!

Lindsay M, Carp, ON

~ • ~

No, I do not want Quebec to leave UNLESS it means that the Official Languages Act is dropped across Canada.

In Eastern Ontario, “Cultural Inventories”, Linguistic Roadmaps” and “Bilingual Sign” bylaws are all indicators that the Quebec separatists have taken over Eastern Ontario.

Quebec license plates in so many institutions are also indications that even if Quebec separated, if they are allowed to continue to work in Ontario, what progress will have been made? Our English speaking young people are fleeing to work in the West while Quebec youth take Ontario jobs and tax dollars back to Quebec.

French only health clinics, French only community centers, French only hospitals, French only senior living centers. If you think that by Québec separating there will be peace, you are wrong.

Yesterday, Canadians for Language Fairness had our 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Brunch (A sellout, 120 people) and the resentment, anger and frustration was incredible in particular the following complaints:

Jobs being based on language not skills.

Families being broken up because young adults are being forced to find jobs out West or in the USA.

Legal challenges being heard by “activist” judges (Judge Monique Metivier).

French immersion that has failed our children.

Language Commissioner Graham Fraser refusing to meet with a Canada-wide organization that represents victims of forced bilingualism.

As of January 1, 2013, every municipality in Ontario must provide bilingual services no matter how few unilingual Francophones are in their communities.

So much for freedom of speech. The unrestricted use of the English language is now against the law in Eastern Ontario municipalities.

The question should not be whether Quebec separates. The question should be whether forced bilingualism and language laws are an attack on our inalienable right to freedom of speech!

Beth Trudeau, Spokesperson, Canadians for Language Fairness, Embrun, ON

~ • ~

It isn’t just on my program that similar sentiments are being expressed. The following letter to the editor appeared in the National Post on June 5, 2013. It was written in response to an earlier comment by Dan Delmar that the only people upset with the situation in Quebec today are what Delmar called Angryphones.

The following is the reply by Richard D. Field of Toronto:

“It is unfortunate that Dan Delmar cannot comprehend that nearly one million English-speaking Canadians have left Quebec since the French-first language laws came on the scene. The trick word “Angryphone” is just that, a comedic response by the Anglo appeasers that stayed and did not fight for their rights against the Franco chest-thumpers that delighted in rubbing their Anglo fellow citizens’ noses in the dirt of Quebec’s myopic provincialism.

Howard Galganov’s life was threatened and his property destroyed by the cowardly Quebecois linguistic fanatics. He moved to Ontario to continue his fight. He fought for 14 years in Quebec and had damn little support from the Anglo community. He is a courageous Canadian.

Why doesn’t the National Post write an article, exploring why Anglophones cannot hold senior positions in the federal civil service or Crown corporations, or rise above the rank of major in the military if they cannot speak French patois (as judged by a French-patois hiring panel.) Having a French last name even helps.

English only speakers are now a disenfranchised sub-class of Canadian citizenry.

This is one sick country!

Richard D. Field, Toronto, ON

~ • ~

And then there was this dandy little tirade that appeared in the letters to the editor section of the National Post, June 5, 2013. It was written in response to Radio Canada’s decision (since rescinded) to become simply “ICI”.

Heritage Minister James Moore warns that Canadians won’t tolerate any move away from a pan-Canadian identity. While this may be the government’s position, it is unlikely that Canadians feel this way.

Most Canadians wish Quebec would separate, to end the continual distraction and right what has become an unfair situation. Canada’s government and laws are tilted in favour of Quebec to the point that most Canadians feel the treatment to appease Quebec (e.g., unequal representation in the Senate and the Supreme Court, official bilingualism, transfer payments, disproportionate cultural grants, etc.) has resulted in unfairness.

While Quebec was treated badly in English-Canada in the past, the means used to redress that situation have been excessive, resulting in an inequitable situation for Canadians outside Quebec.

Perhaps a national referendum would be appropriate.

Mac Walker, Edmonton, AB

~ • ~

In all, I received more than 200 emails and phone calls from that one two-hour program. At least 90 per cent of them indicated that my assumptions were correct, they would not seriously regret the loss of Quebec. Some, as you can see, still hold grievances, particularly as it applies to what they deem to be “forced bilingualism”, but for the most part it’s primarily a matter of just losing patience with the constant demands.

The sentiments expressed to me in the phone calls, the emails and from people who stopped me on the street following the program are perhaps best summed up by this hand written letter that arrived just the other day from Surrey, BC

“Lowell”, “you and I have never met, but in listening to you the other day as you discussed the issue of Quebec and its role in Canada, I couldn’t help but hear some anguish in your voice. You said, and I believe you, that you are totally frustrated with all the problems that Quebec continues to present. The corruption, the constant demands for more money, for more special treatment, etc. etc. You are perfectly correct we are all getting very tired of it.

But I also sensed that in some way you are also sad. No doubt the fact that you have worked so hard for so long to try and keep Quebec within Confederation plays a role in your reaction to what’s happening and how you feel about it. No one likes to lose. I understand that many members of your family, even your daughter and granddaughter still live in the province. This must make it even harder for you.

What you should know is that you are not alone. There was a time when I and all members of my very large family out here on the west coast were adamant federalists. We didn’t go to Montreal in 1995, some of us weren’t even alive then, but several of us did drive around with those famous bumper stickers saying, “My Canada includes Quebec”. But, sadly, just like you, we have all come to the same conclusion. Quebec will never be happy in Confederation no matter what benefits it receives from the rest of Canada.

Lowell we tried to convince Quebec to stay. We used every means in our power to keep them in Confederation. But let’s be very honest here, for all the money and other benefits we poured into that province we never once heard a thank you, or even an acknowledgment—only complaints and demands for more.

At the very least now that you have conducted your programs on the matter, tapped into the sentiment outside Quebec and written a book about it, a few Quebecers will begin to understand that we have lost patience, certainly out here in the west. We tried, we gave and gave and gave and received precious little in return. There’s a limit to our patience and at least around here that limit has been reached.

I’ve conducted a little poll out here among friends and family and without exception we all agree with you. Let’s start the process towards a very friendly parting of the ways. No bitterness please; no recriminations. We’ve all shared a very long, sometimes bumpy road together so now that that road is coming to an end, let’s sit down in good faith, both sides and work out an agreement that, while it will never be perfect, at least lets us be good friends after all is said and done.

Other countries around the world have managed to cut the apron strings and are happier now that they have become independent nations. Maybe the same will hold true for Quebec and Canada.

We’ll still be living side by side. We’ll still need to trade with each other, but as you said more than once on your program, maybe, just like some of us who have divorced, maybe we can be better friends after the divorce than we ever were before. A sweet dream, I know. There will be problems, but we’re a good people we Canadians, we can work it out. But you are right, it is kind of sad. Could the great experiment of two languages, two cultures have worked out? We will never know.

Shirley Westover. Surrey, BC

~ • ~

I don’t doubt for a moment that there still a kind of wistful affection percolating amidst our two solitudes, I detect that sentiment in much of the correspondence, but as with a middle aged couple that has been bitterly feuding for decades the passion, the ability to wound, even to disappoint is gone. In relationships such as those, scant attention is paid to anything that is said or done. A document may claim they are still married, but in reality each goes their own separate way, living semi-independent lives, bound together only by economics, apathy and inertia. If they were still hurting each other they would consider divorce, but why bother?

Fact is, if they did bother to get a divorce there’s a good chance they might become, if not lovers again, at least friends. Who among us doesn’t know at least one couple that will readily admit that they are better friends today, after the divorce, than they ever were when married? It works that way with some nations as well. The Republic of Ireland springs immediately to mind, but there are other, perhaps even better examples of where a national breakup has ended centuries of animosity, feuding and fighting and made way to good solid friendships.

For example, Scotland and England.