1. An apology.
Over the past three months I have been affected by a serious health problem and could not keep up with my postings. I am hopeful for a complete recovery but there may be some bumps along the way. To my loyal visitors and others I apologize for not keeping you better Informed. Thank you for your patience.
2. Introduction
Even if we do not engage in the much needed constitutional changes as mentioned on this site, something must be done to resolve the constant political and legal battles that Quebec and the Rest of Canada (ROC) fight on an almost daily basis. It is a waste of both our energies.
Canadians in one province should never be forced to remain in Canada if the majority of their constituents wish to leave. Nor should the ROC be forced to bribe them to remain within Canada using federal tax breaks and other benefits not generally available to Canadians in other provinces.
3. Geography
If Quebec voted to separate from Canada that would likely impede land and water access to the Maritime Provinces and the St. Lawrence by citizens from the ROC. How can this be accommodated?
4. The European Union model for Canada and Quebec
Nations who are members of the European Union (EU) elect their own governments and enact their own local laws to meet the needs of their local citizens. They can also travel back and forth between EU countries without having to pass through customs and immigration and provide a passport. Those are only necessary when they enter the EU from a non EU country; e.g. Canada and the USA.
5. Adapting the EU model to Quebec and the ROC
Assuming a majority of Quebecers vote to separate from Canada, then Canada and Quebec should enter into an EU type agreement:
• Just as Polish citizens work in EU countries such as Ireland, a Canadian/Quebec arrangement would allow Canadians and Quebecers to travel back and forth and work freely in one another’s country without showing a passport.
• Quebecers could make French their national language and Canada would make English theirs.
• Quebecers could use the Canadian dollar, the French Franc or any other currency they might select.
• Quebec and Canada would need similar legislation governing visas and immigration into their nations as well as similar fees and taxes payable on the importation of goods and services.
• Instead of a European Union type Parliament and its enormous bureaucracy there would be a Canada/Quebec Commission with a neutral Chairperson that would resolve inter-jurisdictional disputes.
• Etc.
Bottom Line:
1. The European Union seems to meet the needs of various European nations who speak many different languages and have many different customs.
2. Canada and Quebec could learn from this experience and craft a similar arrangement.
3. Each could then concentrate on improving their own situations without having to involve the other.
22 August 2009
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