Quebec: graft, theft, and misdemeanours.
So, a few points: First, sovereignty in Quebec is on the downswing since Trump discussed the possibility of tariffs, and second, Quebec is fuming about the way it seems to be removed, largely from discussions
of national importance. Quebec is the second most populous province in
Confederation yet, it continues to have one of the smaller impacts in elections
and the like. So, what is happening with Quebec? Why is it on the downswing?
There are two reasons, the first is political, and the
second is largely financial. Quebec decided a while ago to try to go its own
way. It pushed the sovereignty question in the hopes it would then leave. It
was defeated then and it will be continually defeated. The party Bloc Quebecois
was the driver of that question and the sharp point of the spear in that
debate. The Bloc Quebecois essentially removed Quebec from the national
discussion. It became focused on the separation question and hamstrung its ability
to compete in the national discussion, ironically. Ironic that once they pushed
for greater national recognition, they became less relevant. Now they are
arguing that they should be considered increasingly relevant, but they aren’t
and won’t be, thank goodness.
The second reason is that Quebec became less relevant in the
national discussion as it hindered national infrastructure projects,
specifically, the national East-West pipeline. It argued against it on the
national climate change platform, but it was mostly disingenuous. Quebec acted
as a hindrance to that pipeline. Now, since Trump has come aboard, the liberals
in Ottawa realize that they need to be able to get their product (crude oil) to
global markets and Quebec is a hindrance. Intentionally being a hindrance.
Quebec will have to adjust itself if it wants to be a loved partner in Confederation.
It is a part of Confederation but is it loved as such. Sadly, no.
The next question is how do we remove it? How do we correct
it? I would never support becoming the American 51st state, but it
may be an option, a kill switch, sure, but it would work.
