Quebec as a Nation

Media's role in legitimizing debate on status of Quebec in Canada

Nov 27, 2006 Kate Butler

Giving Quebec status as a nation within Canada is a controversial move that deserves much attention from the public; media outlets are ensuring that this debate happens.

For many Canadians, the idea of accepting Quebec as a nation is simply not a possibility. Recent overtures by the Conservatives and Liberals to go forward with this type of declaration have been met with much skepticism. Within this segment of those opposed to the concept of Quebec as a nation are two separate camps: those who believe that Quebec should receive special status in Canada, but should not be called a nation, and those who believe that it should not receive special status or a special name.

Many Canadians recognize that Quebec is not like the rest of Canada. For them, this can best be recognized through programs that give Quebec more autonomy. It seems as though this is the group that many media personalities in Canada tend to fit into (Jeffrey Simpson, Lysiane Gagnone, Roy MacGregor).

In the second group of opponents to the Quebec-as-a-nation statement, we see those who believe that Quebec is simply another province, undeserving of different treatment. Many of the former members of the Reform Party now involved with the Conservative Party are adherents to this belief system. The fact that many of these individuals come from the west, which has historically been underrepresented and ignored in Canadian confederation is key.

In the Quebec debate the media has always played an important role in legitimizing certain beliefs. What is interesting thus far in this debate, is how there is an increasing amount of support for the idea of Quebec as a nation. In the past, the Canadian mainstream media has supported the status quo: giving Quebec special treatment, but not going as far as to call it a nation. However, even though certain journalists are not changing their tune, there has certainly been a move among some television stations and newspapers to understand, and to even support this sentiment.

The idea of Quebec as a nation is one that deserves to be debated and discussed, and the mainstream media is right to devote so much attention and time to this subject. The fact that Parliament looks set to pass this motion put forward by Harper, even though there was so little debate in the House, shows that politicians are wary of the topic. Canadians from all parts of this country should be talking about this concept, and the media is, in this case, doing a good job of highlighting such an important resolution.

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