Quebec’s history and geography clearly sets it apart as a distinct political and cultural North American region. It is uniquely the only large cultural hearth of French language, customs, and heritage on the continent. With this uniqueness comes solidarity among the people of Quebec and sometimes feelings of separation from the rest of Canada.
One thing that no one can doubt that brings together the nation of Canada is their national sport- hockey. Everyone knows that hockey is a well-loved competitive sport all over Canada but in Quebec their home team the Montreal Canadiens takes all the cheers. With Quebec’s sense of “isolation” their hockey team becomes one of pride and unity all over Quebec. By taking a closer look at the Province of
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Quebec and its rich French history, influence, and culture we can examine how that shapes its ethnic and hockey identity. Province of Quebec Canada Quebec is the eastern province of Canada in North America.
With its 600,000 square miles of land area, it is the largest province in the country. “If this province were ever to secede from Canada, it would become the world’s 18th largest country in land area—more than twice the size of Texas and three times the size of France”(Hardwick, 2013, p. 109). Quebec takes up nearly one-sixth of Canadas’s total land area and is second in population (Ontario is first). In Figure 1, you can see the massive size of Quebec as compared to the rest of North America (WorldAtlas.com). Quebec has a predominantly French-speaking population with French being the official language of the province. Most people that live in Quebec live near the Saint Lawrence River between Montreal and Quebec City, the capital of the province. …show more content…
(Behiels) History of Quebec When John Cabot arrived in the land that is now called Canada, at least as 500,000 native people are believed to have been living there. Cabot was representing the British crown when he arrived in 1497. In 1534, Jacques Cartier arrived from France on the first of several trips to search for the Northwest Passage to Asia. However, it was not until 1608 when the French were able to establish a permanent settlement. They called their new settlement ‘New France’ where Samuel Champlain founded Quebec City. Once permanent settlements had been established, the French population increased to more than 60,000 settlers by 1750. At the end of the colonial era, high birthrates and low death rates of early colonists population was trending. “Intense attachment to the French identity and culture in the region persisted” (Hardwick, 2013, p. 114). This trend continues even up into today’s time. With French citizens’ strong desire to remain Catholic and French and with the institutional support of the Roman Catholic Church the people of Quebec were able to hold tight and true to their culture. The Roman Catholic Church provided extra educational and spiritual support that allowed their culture to remain strong. Also, the isolated rural lifestyle of the majority of the Francophones along with high birthrates (which ensured an expanding population) concluded with French in Quebec maintaining their culture, ethnic identity, and linguistic separation from the rest of Canada with not a lot of Anglophone influence. French Canadian Like previously stated, Canada was mainly first settled by Great Britain and France. The term ‘Canadien’ referred to any settler that was French-speaking and also included all other settlers in the area. This meant that British settlers, Loyalists from the United States, and other English speakers were referred to as Canadiens. The only group excluded from this term was native inhabitants. After the British colonies in Canada were united into the Dominion of Canada on 1867, new terms were adopted to separate these groups. The Canadiens of French origin were then called Canadiens francais. Today, Canada defines their groups of people as either Francophones (French-speaking), Anglophones (English-speaking), or Allophones (those who speak a language other than French or English). “Quebec’s unique sense of place is based on the importance of its early French settlement and the lingering but intense feelings of separatism of many Quebecois from the rest of Canada” (Hardwick, 2013, p. 109). Separation between residents of the rest of Canada and the people of Quebec is again felt even more when additional terms are added to further segregate them. The term ‘les Canadiens francais’ included any Canadian of French origin, meaning any Francophone in Canada could be called this. People of Quebec were further separated and only referred to as Quebecois. Since the 1970s, there started to be talks and pushes for secession from Canada by Quebecois mirroring the feeling of discontent and separation from the rest of the country. “Today, many Francophone Quebecois are increasingly aware of their status as a linguistic minority within Canada and within North America. As a result, some have argued for seceding from Canada and declaring Quebec as an independent country” (Hardwick, 2013, p. 110). This call for independence has happened periodically since then, however, a majority has never voted for secession. Instead, the focus has been on passing laws that promote the use of Quebec’s own French language. For example, the country of Canada is officially a bi-lingual country (English and French) and government documents are required to be both printed in both of these languages. French Culture in Quebec Quebec has a very distinct culture through its landscape.
It has the claim of being the only French-speaking province in Canada. This fact sets it apart from all other regions in North America. Each group of people who settled in Canada contributed some cultural aspects to the modern Quebec cultures and traditions. The factors that contributed include the aboriginals, French-speaking Acadians, English settlers, the maritime tradition, and even Quebec’s harsh winter climate (Grunert). But no other group had as much influence as the French.
The Quebecois identity incorporates cultural aspects like values, norms, and customs that are derived from its French heritage. “90% of the Quebec population is Francophone and research suggests that the Quebecois identity is strongly associated with the defense of the French language and of the Quebecois cultural heritage” (Arias-Valenzuela, 2016, p. 4). Because the Quebecois identity thrives on cultural features that native-borns are accustomed to, non-natives may not or might find it difficult to identify with this cultural
group. Some cultural feature include French language and Quebecois music and even architecture. The Roman Catholic Church has had a long and great influence of the province of Quebec. This can be seen broadly in their architecture and more specifically in their Roman Catholic religious structures such as cathedrals, shrines, educational centers, cemeteries, and retreat houses. These can be seen all of Quebec and even some of Quebec’s small towns are grouped together around Roman Catholic Churches. They reside in the middle of town further symbolizing the central importance of the church in Quebec culture. In Figure 2 (, you can see the Basilique Notre-Dame located Montreal which is a Roman Catholic church, founded in 1642, this building was built in 1843. It resembles the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France (Johnston, 2013). Canada and Hockey Culture “For many Canadians hockey is more than a sport – it's a way of life” (Weiner, 2009). People of Canada watch hockey, play hockey, and sleep hockey. From a young age kids learn the sport of hockey in their backyards and eventually join community leagues. Canadian leagues range from amateur leagues starting for children barely old enough to walk all the way to professional leagues like the National Hockey League (NHL). Hockey fans proudly wear their favorite team's jersey and attend games at every chance they get. Hockey is not only a popular past time in Canada but is also a prosperous business industry. Numerous leagues, teams, monuments, memorials, and stores are all dedicated to the sport and provide masses of revenue for the country (WorldWeb.com). Montreal Cannadiens "It is different in Montreal for sure. But you know something? It is like a football player in American cities or a baseball player. Hockey is the No. 1 sport in Canada, in Montreal, where the real major sport is hockey. So it is different from New York, which has basketball, baseball, football, two or three teams around each one of the leagues, so it is very different" (Weiner, 2009). The people of Quebec closely identify with the sport of hockey. Quebec’s home team is proudly the Montreal Canadiens. It is not just a past time in Quebec instead, “The Montreal Canadiens are a way of life in Montreal” (Weiner, 2009). The Montreal Canadiens can be considered an institution. In Figure 3, you can see a packed house at a Canadiens game finals game (Ayala, 2014). The Montreal Canadiens are seen as the team of the French Canadians and because of that has earned the nickname the “Habs”- short for Hibitants. This is a nod to the original French settelers in Canada (Richelieu, 2011, p. 357). Hockey’s Ethic Identity In 1979, a short story called “Le Chandail de Hockey” (The Hockey Sweater) was published by a Canadian author named Roch Carrier. It was a French-Canadian story that eventually became very popular among the people in Quebec, especially young residents, and is even considered, “one of the best known works of literature in Canada today” (Hardwick, 2013, p. 119). Carrier’s real life experience was inspiration for this story set in a rural part of Quebec in the 1940’s. Carrier, growing up in Canada was, of course, a big fan of hockey and growing up in Quebec his team of choice was the Montreal Canadiens. After tirelessly wearing his Canadiens sweater his mother has to order a new one but a problem arises when a Toronto Maple Leafs sweater arrives instead. His French-speaking Quebecois mother tries to fix the mistake but has trouble communicating with the company due to her poor English speaking abilities. Our author, unfortunately, has no other choice but to wear his new Maple Leafs sweater to his hockey game. He is mortified in front of his friends (all wearing their Montreal Canadiens sweaters). Distressed by the whole situation, Carrier eventually throws a fit of rage in frustration and is expelled from the game. This short story is not just for reading pleasure but shows the significance of hockey in Canada and more specifically Quebec. It captures the feeling of separation and isolation that many rural residents of Quebec feel when dealing with “outsiders”. “Roch Carrier’s popular story of the hockey sweater captured the minds and hearts of French Canadians and their attachment to the sport of hockey and to their ethnic identity” (Hardwick, 2013, p. 119). Conclusion Quebec’s identity is felt through many avenues. Its French language, culture, and ethnic heritage stands out the most. The history of the province shaped the way Quebec’s unique structure came about and fueled its feeling of separation and isolation from the rest of the country of Canada along the way. The residents of Quebec, however, have feelings of unity among each other and the best example is seen through the sport of hockey. Quebec’s hockey team the Montreal Canadiens spur accord through the whole province and further unite Quebecois, “the Montreal Canadiens are more than just a hockey team in Montreal (Quebec)”
As its own state Quebec would have the capacity to act, consolidate and further create their own cultural identity (Heard, 2013). For example, Quebec could foster the national language to be French. By gaining independence from Canada, Quebec can then create their own laws, own immigration rules and levy taxes (Heard, 2013). This would allow Quebec to be completely independent from the rest of Canada, but they would have connecting boarders like the United States and Canada do.
Quebec’s social identity and defining characteristics contradict and conflict with those of rest of Canada. Since the genesis of our country, the political, social disagreements, and tensions between Quebec and the rest of Canada have been unavoidable. Utilizing Hiller’s key contradictions in the analysis of a Canadian society, we will compare and contrast the nature of the societal identity in Quebec compared to that of rest of Canada, emphasising on the major differences and tensions between the province and the rest of the country.
...to identity with at least one of the countries predominate languages, English or French, dictated the degree in which they could participate in Canadian life. According to the Commission, this participation was real under two conditions: “that both societies, the French-speaking as well as the English-speaking, accept[ed] newcomers much more rapidly than they have done in the past; and that the two societies willingly allow other groups to preserve and enrich, if they so desire, the cultural values they prize[d]” (RCBB Book 1 xxv). It creates an interesting take on the acceptance of those “othered” groups, as change was necessary not only on the part of the minorities but also from Canada’s French and English-speakers. The Commissions work remains focused on language and culture, more so than ethnicity amongst a bilingual, bicultural and “othered” Canadian society.
Canada: The Quiet Revolution in Quebec The English-French relations have not always been easy. Each is always arguing and accusing the other of wrong doings. All this hatred and differences started in the past, and this Quiet revolution, right after a new Liberal government led by Jean Lesage came in 1960. Thus was the beginning of the Quiet Revolution.
The fall of Quebec was a turning point in Canadian history, changing it from a French colony to a British colony. Had this battle gone the other way, English might be the second language, not French. The battle of Quebec was one of many battles during the 'Seven Year War'. They called it the Maritime War. It was officially declared in May 1756. Britain and Prussia were on one side and France, Spain, and Austria on the other. The war moved across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe because the French and the British were fighting over furs and land. Britain, while subsidizing and aiding Prussia, its only European ally, sought victory in America and sent what was for that century an overwhelming number of regular troops in order to stiffen the military of the American colonies.
Quebec has struggled with a need to be maitres chez nous “masters of their own house” (Young, 1998). Many attempts at resolving Quebec's issues has resulted in tensions from both sides. Because Quebec has a strong national identity, and do not define themselves as strictly Canadian, Quebec is seen as difficult, unyielding and discontented. Quebec's separation perhaps is inedible and the future of Canada questionable. Canada without Quebec will bring about many complications and whether there is a rest of Canada (ROC) after Quebec a major challenge. Western alienation and the lack of representation in federal affairs will be a factor; moreover, past actions and historical events may have turned Canada into a time bomb, and the deterioration of the provinces the only sulotion. How First Ministers react to Quebec's sovereignty regarding economic factors, political structure, and constitutional issues will be of great importance. Whether emotional issues will play a major role in decision making is subjective; however, it is fair to say that it will be an emotionally charged event and it could either tear apart the ROC or fuse it together. Placing emphasis on investigating what keeps Canada together is perhaps the key to Canada's future, and salvaging a relationship with Quebec.
According to research conducted after the 1995 referendum, a large number of Quebecers, who speak French, believe that there is a real threat to the language. This is due to the fact that in the early 90s, francophones were the majority of people in Quebec, but that in the late 90s, they started to become the minority, which obviously scared a lot of people. By looking into more research as to why the population of French-speakers was decreasing, mostly in Montreal, it was found that as Montreal is a big, multicultural city, there are a lot of immigrants coming in, and dominating over the francophones. But this doesn’t explain why francophones are being replaced so rapidly. Looking into the population of French-speakers throughout the province on Quebec, it was found that the reason for the decrease in francophones in Montreal, is that many franchonphones are moving to the outer cities, which could mean that the French language threat which people perceive is due to people moving around, and not due to the decrease of French-speakers.
The native language of Quebec was French, and their religion was focused on the Roman Catholic Churches. It was different from the other nine provinces, which had a majority of English population following Protestant Churches. For the Quebecers, they felt that their distinct cultural identities had been neglected. They felt uncomfortable about being part of a nation that refused to understand their own culture, history, and language. The possibility that one day Quebec would be dominated by an English population threatened the stability of the French societies’ culture, language, and educational system.
One of the most contentious issues in Canada’s history is that of the Metis. Some people feel this unique group of people does not deserve any sort of recognition, whereas others believe their unique history and culture is something to be recognized and cherished. The history of the Metis people is filled with struggle; not only struggles against other powers, but also a struggle for self-identification. Despite strong opposition, the Metis people of Canada have matured as a political force and have taken great strides towards being recognized as a unique people.
In Canadian history, nationalism and sovereignty have been common themes prevalent since Confederation. A well-known example of this in Quebec was during the Quiet Revolution, which strengthened the need for change through Premier Lesage’s reforms and in turn, developed a strong sense of nationalism in Quebec. In contrast to beliefs that the rapid modernization of the Quiet Revolution had a positive impact on Quebec, it rather had a negative impact on Quebec and its citizens and identity. The three consequences which arose in Quebec as a result of the revolution are the encouragement of separatism, the elimination of traditional values and roles and the establishment of powerful bureaucratic control. Quebec’s attempt to be more like the rest of Canada and to protect French Canadian identity unleashed a new form of nationalism, capable of threatening Canada’s unity and destroying Quebec itself, as witnessed during the Quiet Revolution.
The root causes of Quebec Separatism go back almost a thousand years! This is because a large cause for Quebec Separatism is the conflict between the French and the English people. These conflicts go back to when France and England first became countries, and ever since then it seems the two countries have been at constant war with one another (Henley, 2011). This constant fighting spawns a built in belief of hatred for one another (Henley, 2011), which would make it hard for the two to live in the same country as they try to do in Canada. But out of all the wars the French and English fought, the most influential for Quebecois and all of Canada was the several year war taking place between 1756 and 1763 (Upper Canada History, 2011).
In general, Quebec is overwhelmingly French speaking, while the rest of Canada is overwhelmingly English speaking. Language has remained one of the key symbols of Quebecois nationalism and has been central in the arguments for the protection of a minority culture in Quebec. French Canadians were, and still are overwhelmingly Catholic, while English Canadians tend to be Protestant (Fitzmaurice, 1985). The cause of linguistic segmentation in Canada goes back to the British conquest in Quebec in 1759. The primary institution that has defined the character of French Canadian nationalism in Quebec from the mid 19th to the 20th century is the Roman Catholic Church (Fenwick, 1981). It was the Church that essentially articulated the values and dominated the culture of French Canada and it was the Church that helped provide the elite, which mediated relations between French Canadians and the
Regionalism is a growing concern for Canadians` as it affects economic stability, nationalism and western alienation. The economic stability is reliant on the regions having strong economic bases (Stilborn, 19). Nationalism with Quebec is a prime example of how distinct regional cultures hinder Canada’s unity, as they want to separate from Canada, while still having the federal Canadian government financially support them. Western Alienation is also a prime political culture that is regionally distinct.
I understand where the French-speaking Canadians are coming from. With the majority of French Canadians residing in the province of Quebec they feel like they are different than the rest of the country. As it stands now, Quebec is one of the more prosperous provinces in Canada, and I wonder if secession were to take place what would happen? We all know that it would take time to become successful, but who knows if they would ever return to the way it is now. Is the price too big to play? With the opposing sides at almost equal size it is important to come to a final situation. Before possible violence breaks out within the province.
Canada’s own identity starts with our remarkable sense of culture and customs. For the native peoples, the Canadian identity stretches thousands of years into the search of struggles to retain elements of their ancient culture. From a colonial perspective, the traditions which surface in Canadian culture seem to be born of an earlier time, of different origins and places, of old-fashioned rituals, and customs. Unlike the United States, its senior neighbor, Canada’s aged-like identity is more reserved and skillful, unwilling to commit it self to anything specific. Within each region of Canada-