Nation within a nation [snort]

I'm originally from Quebec. Spent the first 18 years of my life there. The rest of my family are still there. So I believe I understand the whole issue of why Quebecois think they're special. They are. For similar reasons that First Nations people are special. For similar reasons that Acadians are special. For similar reasons that Newfoundlanders are special. Need I go on?

The Quebec sovereigntist movement tries to advance their agenda based on (among other things) how Canada's federal government does not address the unique ambitions and desires of the Quebec populace. They may be right. But how is this different from Alberta suggesting Canada's federal government does not address the unique ambitions and desires of the Alberta populace. The same could be said for many First Nations groups too.

So when the federal government tries to forward a motion stating that Quebec is a nation within Canada, I have to disagree. Quebec is a distinct cultural hub within Canada, with a set of values and ideals unique to its people. But so are there many other such hubs in this country. The only thing that makes Quebec any different from these other hubs is that it is a founding force that brought the country together and is the cultural centre of our other official language.

This is pure political posturing on the part of the Conservatives to shore up support in a province that (as always) will be key to them winning a majority in the next election. But it's a dangerous precedent. I would not be surprised if the Assembly of First Nations lines up next and exclaims "We want a motion passed too. Or we're outta here!"