Why does Quebec want independence from Canada?

Question

I understand Quebec has had two referendums, in 1980 and 1995, but what I wonder is why did they even have these referendums?

I'm British and the UK got really shaken during Scottish independence, I can explain why Scotland wanted independence, because Scotland has 59 MP's compared to England having more than 500, so Scotland got annoyed from constantly being outnumbered in voting, not to mention Scotland and the rest of the UK hold very different political views.

But anyway, why does Quebec want independence, or why did they want independence? Is Quebec still fighting for independence or have they just stopped after losing the two referendums?

Answer 1

They don't.



A bunch of them did, but, a minority. Only about 25% want it now.



Quebecors are even more different from other Canadians than the Scots are from the English. They are a distinct people, with their own language, laws, and religion. They use the Civil Code that dates back to the Romans, while the rest of Canada uses Case Law, based on British Case Law.



Of course, they have their own language. There is some French spoken outside of Quebec, mostly Acadian French in New Brunswick, and a bit in Nova Scotia. Quebec French is a different dialect, and about 300-400 years different from France French too.



They were also overwhelmingly Roman Catholic, although that changed in the early 1960's.



As a minority in Canada, they felt they could not get their way. And, for a long time, this was fairly true. However, there is a lot of equality now, or, even "over" equality, and, many immigrants, so the original "pur laine" (pure wool) Quebecors with hundreds of years of history in the province have seen their numbers decline. So, there is not the same amount of interest as there was some years ago. For a few reasons: e.g., Canada now accommodates their language, etc., but, as a French speaking state of about 10 million, they would be surrounded by almost 400 million English speakers, who would NOT speak French!

Answer 2

If you think Scotland wanted independence due to only having 59 MPs out of 500+, you are sadly unaware of the historical situation in Scotland. Most Scottish independence movements are based on the fact that Scotland was at one point a separate country and was forced to join the UK. You then have religious, language, and other considerations.



Likewise... Quebec was at one point part of France. It has a separate language, culture, religion, etc. from most of the rest of Canada. This is the basis for independence. Everything else is based on this notion -- it would be better to protect its language and culture. No one wants independence for no reason. They want it because they consider themselves difference that others.

Answer 3

We don't, it's just we have some Separatists organised by the PQ party wanting to separate.



It seems people have woken up, and more and more people realize what will happen if Quebec separates. The last one out, turns off the main power switch at Hydro............lol

Answer 4

Who knows

Answer 5

Only one party wants that, and it's because they're butthurt about "preserving their French culture".