It’s Time to Stop Talking about Separatism in Canada

Canadians across the country are familiar with ideas of separation. Quebec has had a long history of debating their role in Canada. Multiple referendums have been held to survey support for separation from Canada. 

 In the 1960’s Quebec adopted the term Québécois as a way to differentiate themselves from the rest of Canada and from France. In 1980, Quebec held a referendum on whether the province should pursue sovereignty. This motion was voted against by an estimated 60% of Quebec voters. In 1995, another referendum was held, this time the vote was substantially closer but still resulted in a negative vote, 50.6% to 49.4%. With Anglophone Quebecers voting against separation around 90% of the time.  

The divergence in voting between Francophone and Anglophone voters tells us that there is a desire for more representation among certain Canadian groups. This month, the Parti Québécois won Quebec’s provincial election under the promise of another separation referendum.  

Closer to home for many readers of the Xaverian, and less commonly discussed, is the history of Nova Scotia as a potential sovereign province. This effort has seemingly gone quiet for nearly 200 years, but the history remains. In 1867, 36 of the 38 legislature seats in Nova Scotia were won by members who wished for Nova Scotia to remain independent from the Canadian confederation. Despite this success, their efforts were obviously unsuccessful.  

Finally, and most recently, Alberta has taken a survey vote to see if Albertans should pursue separation. Just six days ago, Albertans voted on 10 questions, primary amongst them; Should Alberta pursue separation from Canada? Just as with Quebec, the results were strongly negative. Around 76% of Albertan voters said they wanted to remain part of Canada. The 130-million-dollar referendum left us with the status quo. Even Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith who called for the referendum, called for Albertans to vote against the separatist movement. Sovereignty movements are intended to strengthen provinces, but what we see in reality is discontent.  

These questions about independence can get us excited and even emotional. But when the excitement settles we are left with a clearer picture; Canadians like being a part of Canada and the ballot boxes show this. With the results of the recent Alberta vote now known, I think it is time for Canadians to stop pitching separation and to start talking about uniting questions. What does it mean for Canada to be united? How do we flourish moving forwards despite different goals? How can debates strengthen us instead of tearing us apart? Canada is big and the provinces have disagreements, but our differences are our strengths. A united Canada is a strong Canada, and we all want a promising future.