What’s Quebec Identity Anyway? These Quebecers Had a Lot to Say

In the lead-up to the October 5 provincial election, Quebec’s identity has taken center stage in the province’s politics. But what exactly does this term mean? And who gets to define it?

The question has been posed by various groups and individuals, each with their own perspectives on what it means to be a Quebecer. Recently, a series of conversations with Quebec residents from diverse backgrounds offered a wealth of insights into this complex issue.

One common theme that emerged was the desire for an inclusive and welcoming Quebec. For Dolores Chew and Shaheen Ashraf, two women who left India and Pakistan in the 1970s to settle in Quebec under René Lévesque’s government, their experience has been shaped by a sense of belonging to this province. However, they also acknowledged that their sense of Quebec identity changed after the 1980 referendum.

The sovereignty movement, led by young sovereignists like Nabil Ben Ali Ouriaghli and Benjamin Gingras, members of Oui Quebec, proposes an independent Quebec with an emphasis on inclusion and unity. They recognize, however, that there is work to be done in conveying this message effectively.

Language tensions have been a contentious issue in Quebec politics for decades. Shereen Joseph, a proud Montrealer who identifies as such rather than a Quebecer or Canadian, notes that her Malaysian roots have helped her navigate the complexities of French and English languages in the province. She also observes that language-related tensions seem foreign to her.

For Susan Perera and Allison Saunders, both English school board commissioners with strong Quebec identities, their institutions are not just about education but also community and promoting a bilingual Quebec. Despite their pride in being Quebecers, Saunders admits to feeling like she doesn’t fit the mold of what some people define as a Quebecer.

One striking aspect of these conversations is the history of Quebec’s relationship with Indigenous peoples – an elephant in the room that remains unaddressed by the sovereignty movement. While they emphasize inclusivity and unity, it is unclear how their vision will address the historical grievances of Indigenous communities.

As the provincial election approaches, the question of what it means to be a Quebecer has taken on a new level of urgency. The various perspectives offered by these individuals highlight the complexity and nuance of this issue. Ultimately, it is up to voters to decide how they want to define their relationship with this province.

Acknowledging and addressing the historical and ongoing struggles of Indigenous communities in Quebec will be crucial for building a more inclusive society. This also requires a more nuanced approach to defining what it means to be a Quebecer – one that recognizes the diverse experiences and perspectives within the province.