Chong Wrong on Civic Nationalism
Michael Chong has given his reasons for quitting Cabinet. He says the motion represents ethnic nationalism. I disagree completely.
Today in the House of Commons, Foreign Affairs Minister defined Quebec as people who live in Quebec. This motion is NOT exclusive to French Canadians. It never was. Nobody from the Liberal Party has ever suggested that either.
Quebec is a civic nation within Canada. Its people, including those who have arrived recently, have been part of the magnificent transformation that has taken place in Quebec. The Quebec people have undergone significant change in the recent past, even as recent as 1995. Our traditions, our values, our culture, and most importantly, our attachment to Canada are a fundamental part of our identity.
The goal of federalists has always been to to advocate for the choice of Quebec and Canada, not one or the other.
That is why I am so fundamentally opposed to that petition. We do not have to choose JUST Canada. We can have both.
I have used Carreras’ line before for some Gerard Kennedy supporters and I was touched when Stephane Dion used it again today.
The fact that I am proud to be a Quebecer makes me a stronger Canadian. The fact that Quebecers are a proud people within Canada makes Canada a stronger country.
People can blame Ignatieff all they want. However, I believe strongly, that this question was bound to come back and I am proud that Parliament tonight will vote to accept this historic recognition. The Bloc’s pathetic response to this is only proof they are wounded over this.
Today in the House of Commons, Foreign Affairs Minister defined Quebec as people who live in Quebec. This motion is NOT exclusive to French Canadians. It never was. Nobody from the Liberal Party has ever suggested that either.
Quebec is a civic nation within Canada. Its people, including those who have arrived recently, have been part of the magnificent transformation that has taken place in Quebec. The Quebec people have undergone significant change in the recent past, even as recent as 1995. Our traditions, our values, our culture, and most importantly, our attachment to Canada are a fundamental part of our identity.
The goal of federalists has always been to to advocate for the choice of Quebec and Canada, not one or the other.
That is why I am so fundamentally opposed to that petition. We do not have to choose JUST Canada. We can have both.
I have used Carreras’ line before for some Gerard Kennedy supporters and I was touched when Stephane Dion used it again today.
The fact that I am proud to be a Quebecer makes me a stronger Canadian. The fact that Quebecers are a proud people within Canada makes Canada a stronger country.
People can blame Ignatieff all they want. However, I believe strongly, that this question was bound to come back and I am proud that Parliament tonight will vote to accept this historic recognition. The Bloc’s pathetic response to this is only proof they are wounded over this.
par / by Anthony à / at 4:47 p.m.
3 Commentaires:
Antonio you can continue to misrepresent what the petition says as much as you want... it NEVER insists that there can be only one Canadian nation.
"We, the undersigned Canadians, oppose recognition of any province as a 'nation,' and call on our elected representatives to work instead for a united, equal Canada."
Where does it say that Quebeckers cant have dual loyalties?
Nonsense!
There are many Liberals and Tories who have said Quebecois means francophones.
The word used was not Quebeckers (meaning those who live in Quebec).
Harper's own comments can be interpreted as referring to francophones.
You are starting another round of revisionism.
It depends what you interpret as Quebecois.
Like many in the dreaded ROC I interpret the word Quebecois when used in an english sentence as french Quebeckers, perhaps even limited to decedents of the original french settlers.
If you interpret as many english Canadians do it smacks of ethnic nationalism.
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