November 22, 2006

Did the Separatists Finally Learn How to Ask a Clear Question?

Gilles Duceppe took a very big gamble yesterday by forcing Liberal MPs to vote on Quebecers’ status as a nation. Do Quebecers form a nation?

It is a great question. The Bloc has certainly asked more ridiculous things before. At least this one is relevant. The move, in fact, appears to be quite brilliant, if in fact, it ends up failing. But why should it fail? The Bloc finally learned how to ask a clear question after 10 years, we should at least try and answer it.

The question is actually quite simple.


Be it resolved that Quebecers form a nation. (that is 8 words, 120 less than the referendum question)

Well, that settles it. How many Liberal leadership candidates support this notion? Let’s see…

Ignatieff Yes

Bob Rae depends what day it is…I think Tuesdays are good for him

Gerard Kennedy luckily the question is in French and that is the nation Kennedy supports

Stephane Dion has said Quebec forms a nation…and he’s never backtracked…

Ken Dryden will likely try and get this vote shelved as well…

Scott Brison said he believes Quebec is a nation.

Joe Volpe honestly I do not know

Martha no

That should be 7 out of 8 leadership candidates in favor of it. What are people afraid of? Certainly, after putting Michael Ignatieff through the ringer on this, none of them would want to vote for this motion 4 days before they plan on slagging Michael on the floor of the convention. Ah well, Gilles Duceppe has done Quebecers a favor. He is telling Liberal and Tory MPs, some of whom say Quebec is a nation, to put their money where their mouth is.

I think a former Intergovernmental Affairs Minister once said “A clear question never hurt anyone” Indeed Stephane I could have never said it better myself.

5 Commentaires:

Blogger Jason Cherniak a dit...

What is the French wording? Are they talking about "Québequois"? If so, do they only mean Francophones? It's nowhere near as clear as you suggest.

11/22/2006 9:20 a.m.  
Anonymous Anonymous a dit...

The wording of the motion is:

Que cette Chambre reconnaisse que les Québécoises et les Québécois forment une nation.

11/22/2006 9:59 a.m.  
Anonymous Anonymous a dit...

If this passes, I will be a "true Québécois" - pur laine, non?

If the federalist MPs are smart, they will abstain (or pull the motion) and not be dragged into this seperatist trap.

11/22/2006 10:07 a.m.  
Blogger Anthony a dit...

I have two nations

and I am damn proud of it.

I would ask the Supreme Court if Quebec is divisible. Unlike Canada, Quebec's regions are hardly a federation.

It's not as simple as that.

Let's ask the court.

When I dont have a clear answer, I dont mind asking for help.

11/22/2006 7:38 p.m.  
Blogger Anthony a dit...

The Clarity Act is Canadian Law

so it applies...Andre Boisclair cannot make up his own rules as he goes along.

The Supreme Court of Canada is the highest court of appeal in the land. That is why I would ask for a reference.

11/23/2006 12:47 a.m.  

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