the idea of an independent quebec began to emerge in 1968.
the idea of an independent quebec began to emerge in 1968.
when did the idea of an independent quebec began to emerge?
1968
the province's sovereigntist political party, the parti québécois (pq), has pushed for reforms: at a constitutional conference held in ottawa in february 1968, delegates from quebec indicated that a provincial president might suit the province better than the queen and a lieutenant governor, but the proposal was not accepted. in an interview in 1971, the then leader of the pq, rené lévesque, when asked if there would be any role for the monarchy in an independent quebec, responded: "are you joking? why? i have great respect for the queen... but what the hell part should monarchy have in quebec?" university of toronto professor richard toporoski held the theory that a sovereign, not independent, quebec would still be under the sovereignty of the : "...the real problem of the quebec bill is not separation from canada: quebec has said that it wishes to preserve common elements—canadian currency (issued officially by whom?—the queen of canada), for example, and the possibility of quebec citizens being canadian citizens (and who are canadian citizens?—subjects of the queen)."
monarchy in quebec
sovereignty-association as originally proposed would have meant that quebec would become a politically independent state, but would maintain a formal association with canada — especially regarding economic affairs. it was part of the 1976 platform which swept the parti québécois into power in that year's provincial elections – and included a promise to hold a referendum on sovereignty-association. rené lévesque developed the idea of sovereignty-association to reduce the fear that an independent quebec would face tough economic times. in fact, this proposal did result in an increase in support for a sovereign quebec: polls at the time showed that people were more likely to support independence if quebec maintained an economic partnership with canada. this line of politics led the outspoken yvon deschamps to proclaim that what quebecers want is an independent quebec inside a strong canada, thereby comparing the movement to a spoiled child that has everything it could desire and still wants more.
quebec sovereignty movement