Your View

So, if Canada is a just a country and not a nation, then how can we belong to the United Nations? Quebec should be eligible,though, because according to the Bloc all citizens of Quebec are Quebecois and, of course, the Quebecois are now offically a nation, thanks to Stephen Harper.

And what of "O'Canada"? If we are not a nation, then we can't call it Our National Anthem anymore. How about calling it Our Country Anthem?

Also, wouldn't the "National Post" be wise to change it's name to the "Country Post"? Unless, of course, it chose to publish in Quebec only.

John Diefenbaker, where are you in our time of need?

Sorry to all those praising Harper for this "great achievement" but it wasn't his idea. Does no one remember Ignatief brought the whole thing up? Harper, seeing all the votes/support could potentially loose in quebec come next election, did what he had to do to.

I agree with the passing of this motion. Now lets have all the other nations within Canada gain their status. What do you guys think of U.N.C: the United Nations of Canada? haha

This debate reminds me of Woodrow Wilson's notion of the right to self-determination for any cultural group that defines itself as a nation. What would a map of the world look like if each culture, tribe, and ethnic group did receive its own state?

The General Assembly of the United Nations would surely have to pave half of Manhatten Island to accomdate seating. Canada is a post-modern multi-national state with an identity rooted in civic citizenship rather than ethnic or tribal loyalties.

Yugoslavia was a similar state until populist politicians awakened the sleeping giant of ethnic nationalism. We are all familiar with the consequences in the Balkans. We have stirred the giant with this motion. Let us hope this force never awakens in Canada.

Finally, someone who can put a proposal together and close a deal. This country has looked so foolish toilling over this issue for decades.

Pierre Trudeau left Quebec out of the Constitution, then worked to squash Meech. Harper will be labelled as a great Canadian for helping Canada get over this.

The separtists are spayed/neutered and Canada can work within the world as a leader.The United Kingdom is an example of how four "Nations" can exist and work as one. The last piece of the puzzle is to give the "First Nations Peoples" their dues as well.

If Harper figures that this was a way to conserve the nation of Canada, I have to question not only his intelligence but his sanity.

He's put divisiveness right in the forefront again. By recognizing Quebec as a nation within a nation, all he's done is open the door to separation a little wider for them, and thrown the door wide open for every special interest group desiring the same treatment.

Are Newfoundlanders a nation as well? By his definition... yes. And gays. And every ethnic sector. And the First Nation (the only ones, by the way, who really deserve the name).

Congrats, Stephen. You've divided the country. But you can foget the "conquer". The only ones who have been conquered are true Canadians who believe in the NATION of Canada.

To David, who wrote, 'I'm not sure what the big deal is. Th United Kingdom has 4 internationally recognised "nations" within one state.'

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are all constituent countries of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the Republic of Ireland is an independent country).

The United Kingdom is a sovereign state with four constituent countries, but only England, Scotland and Wales are nations in their own right.

It is not the same thing as a "nation within a country" or even on par with provinces within a country.

I believe that most Canadian do not fully understand the issues of ethnic identity, or aspects of acculturation within Quebec.

Although I consider myself a Quebecer, having been born in Quebec City, I am not Québécois. As well, my wife who was born in Quebec, speaks French, educated in French, is fluently bilingual, but comes from a mixed family considers herself a French Ethnic.

This is defined by the French elite. Her French side of the family can trace their heritage back to France before they “came off the boat” a few hundred years ago. However her father was German.

As for my children who are raised in Quebec, educated in French, but of mixed ethnicity are essentially Canadian first, Quebecer second, but not Québécois.

The debate should be interesting, but not necessary since all of the true stakeholders have not been identified or recognized by political parties.

What I find most discouraging about reading the readers' feedback is all of the Chicken Little negativity. While some have the wisdom to see the positive side of defusing a potentially trouble-making motion by the Bloc Quebecois in The House, too many others see only gloom and doom.

Wake up all you naysayers, the vote to make the Quebecois a nation within Canada has no legal effect, it is purely a symbolic gesture. It does not make Canada weaker. On the contrary it makes us stronger by giving Francophones the recognition that they have long sought.

Canada has said yes to Quebec without giving the store away in the process. Sure, the Bloc and the Parti Quebecois will try to make political hay out of the issue but, they will be seen to be flogging a dead horse by the vast majority of Quebecers.

In the final analysis, the separatists will have been hoist on their own petard. They have outwitted themselves with the help of a brillaint tactician.

I say congratulations to all of our politicians and encourage them to now hold firm against all initiatives by the Bloc and the PQ to seek any special status for Quebec beyond this semantic acknowledgement of their cultural uniqueness: Canada must always speak with one voice!

I would like to congratulate a friend of mine on gaining Nationhood status. My problem is that I am confused regarding whether he (French Canadian) actually "qualifies and benefits".

Reading my morning paper, The headline "Quebecers granted status as a 'nation"" suggested residents of Quebec would benefit. Other media keeps referring to Québécois as the individuals who would benefit from nationhood status. So the questions begin.

Does my friend in Victoria qualify? What about his non-Québécois wife? Will his potential children qualify? His grandchildren?

What length of time did he have to live in Quebec to gain this status? How many generations? What about recent French speaking (regardless of heritage??) immigrants to Quebec? Who will be allowed to move to Quebec, live, learn, love and enjoy the Québécois culture (and gain nation status??)?

And the real question... Who will get the power of the authority to decide?

What's Quebecois? What's a "nation"? Neither of these has any definite meaning.

A "nation" could mean a sovereign state (unlikely) or it could mean a culture that is different from that which surrounds it (likely). The motion didn't specify.

"Quebecois" can be understood in even more ways:

1. It could mean only French Canadians living inside Quebec;

2. it could mean all persons living inside Quebec;

3. it could mean all French Canadians of recent Quebec origin;

4. it could include only those people whose family lines go back to pre-confederate settling inside Quebec (and no, these are not just French Canadians -- my Anglophone family settled here in the 1850s);

5. it could mean anyone that was born inside Quebec;

The compounded vagueness of "nation" and "Quebecois" means that the motion passed in Parliament has zero meaning, though it is unlikely to have zero effect.

Shame on you Mr. Harper. You have revealed yourself as just another snake-in-the-grass self-absorbed politician with this motion. And the rest of you that supported the most divisive topic in our country's history should all be sat in the corner with a dunce cap.

Shame on me. For looking to the Conservatives as a viable way to punish the Liberals and having faith that you could be trusted. Neo-con is dead.

Shame on Canada for being so bloody apathetic on this issue. If you consider the whole Rwandan genocide was the tragic result of colonial ethnic segregation you might take this more seriously. But I know, I know THAT would not happen here, right? Right. But that doesn't make it any less divisive.

Shame on every single ethnic group in Canada if they don't get in line for their piece of the action - because apparently it is free for the asking.

As an American, the thought sickens me. A nation within a nation is illegal in the US. All Harper has managed to do is divide the country. How is this not treason. All members should be put on trial for crimes against Canada for passing this law.

This government has made me ashamed to call myself a Canadian any longer. If Quebec wants to be a nation then take all of their Canadian currency and healthcare and wish them luck, because this was all done in poor judgment. This has made Canada a laugh stock among political scientist in the US. Plus, It gave the majority of Americans a third nation to hate along it's borders... Congrats, PM Harper.

Place aux Acadiens!

Si les Québécois sont une nation..... pourquoi ne pouvons-nous pas réclamer ce même statut??????

I am a First Nations Member and I believe that it is o.k. for Quebec to be called a nation within Canada. One thing that bothers me, which was stated before, is the government does not recognize Aboriginals as a nation, even though they say they do.

They will not give us what we want, but will bend down to their knees for Quebec. In the end, Quebec will try to seperate again. If they succeed, how will they survive? They have no great sources of wealth in their province, they get their wealth from the rest of the provinces in Canada. Will they be annexed by the U.S.? Or will they suffer and come back to Canada?

History states that their are two founding cultures in our GREAT country, the English and the French. First Nations were here first, I am not saying that they did not contribute to this country, in fact we have a great many things from their cultures. Such as Magna Carta, The Bill of Rights and so forth. We also have their knowledge as well, their arts, and their style of living in our country which makes this nation unique.

I am saying that it is alright to recognize Quebec as a nation within a nation, so long as they don't try and seperate from Canada. They will ruin the greatest place to live on Earth! I really do not understand what they have to complain about, they pretty much get what they want.

First of all I would like to say that I am a proud Canadaian, who can not picture a Canada without Quebec. I also will realize that the people who live in Quebec are culturally different from Canadians throughout this great country. So last night as I watched the debate unfold in the Commons and then the vote, I did not know if I should be in supporting or opposeing the motion.

The meaning of the motion seems to very much be at the disposal of the reader. "Nation"? What exactly does that mean? If Harper means a cultural recognation, say that. What does it mean? During the debate the question was raised, I was more confused by the Conservative and his answer.

Again, what is meant by the word "Quebecois"? I always understood it to mean the French-speaking population of Quebec. In a interview, Gilles Duceppe believes the word "Quebecois" to mean all the population of Quebec.

How scary! We have just passed a motion to recognize the whole population of Quebec as a nation within Canada. This is just a small baby step in appeasing the Bloc and giving Quebec seperate political rights. What did Trudeau and other politicans fight for then during the Referendum? Harper has allowed the Bloc an edge. What a sad day for Canada's History.

And what about the other "nations" throughout Canada? The Acadians, who were pushed off their land? The Metis, who had to fight for their cultural and lingustic rights? I consider both groups a distinct cultural group. And let us not forget the natives. Should they not be granted a "nation" status before anyone?

As a Canadian History and English University Student, I am scared for this country of ours and how it will survive.

As an aspiring teacher, I dread the day that I will have to teach this moment in our History.

Once again Harper indicates that he speaks for all Canadians(both Nations) and no one else needs to tell him what is right or wrong. Perhaps Alberta would like to be a Nation. Or maybe we could let George Bush decide what Harper needs to do next.

Hang on to your wallets everyone ! This motion shows that there is nothing Harper won't do for Quebec. He worships Quebec and needs their votes and when Charest comes asking for billions and billions more in welfare payments and equalization then you know that Harper will just say yes.

Maybe it is time to wave goodbye to Quebec...imagine all the good we could with all the money we already pour into Quebec.

I was appalled by Bruce Harper's comments. We are stuck with another politician who is looking for votes amongst a tribe of "Judas".
Is it so hard to find in Canada a politician that is intelligent, cultivated, widely read in Quebecers/Seperatists psychology.
Quebecers have always had an identity problem. They need to grow up, to stop having temper tantrums and overcome their insecurity, of which they are victims.
They are not a nation, they are a Province, like Alberta, Saskatchewan ..... Why should they be given preferential status and treatment?
Stop playing their games and stop giving in to their caprices. Move on!

This all sounds so, whatever! Some are quite funny.
I am part Ukrainian, part Polish and part German.
and Canadian. So what 'nation' can I claim?

I think I will just stick with Canadian, it's soooo much easier that way. Otherwise I will have to come up with a multitude of combined versions of all the above.

There are more important things to deal with: environment, health care, afghanistan, chld care.
Next!

The native people of Canada have systematically had their rights taken away since their lands were confiscated and occupied by European settlers.

The Canadian government fails to implement any of its promises to the native population and this is an issue that is often ignored or overlooked at parliament. How is it that the French have a “nation” to call their own while the indigenous population still struggles for its independence to this day?

This demonstrates our government’s arrogance and racism toward its native people and proves the lack of concern and interest for settling these issues.

The people of Quebec have a province to call their own and have now been declared a nation, while the native people of this land are still not recognized and continue to struggle for their rights to this day.

The vote on Quebecois being a "nation" was a fine example of Conservative spin. The first part of the motion (les Quebecois form a nation) is essentially meaningless and symbolic.

The second part (in a united Canada) is most meaningful. Harper really thinks he outwitted the blocists, eh! What a laugh!

Oh, and was that a 'Free Vote' from the Conservatives? Mr. Chong resigned to avoid the vote: the only Conservative to do so.

Michael Chong is the only politician in Canada these days with any real integrity. Michael Chong clearly is one politician who is able to put the interests of our country before his own private, personal and political agenda.

I am shaking my head in disbelief at the politicians, including all of the party "leaders" who betrayed us as Canadian citizens by so carelessly voting for what will prove to be the beginning of the dis-integration of Canada as a true Nation.

We need more Michael Chong.

Once again everyone on the Hill puckers up and kisses ass. Are there no politicians in this country with enough back bone to stand up for Canada and say enough is enough?
Thank you Stevie for showing us just how stupid you really are.

Many Canadians are very confused right now. "A nation within a united Canada? What does that mean?"

Well, to clarify, and to put an end to all this senseless confusion: a "nation" within a "united Canada" means: a Province.

Let's hear it for the Province of Quebec! They've been recognized as a Province!

And while we're at it: congratulations BC, Ontario, New Brunswick, and the rest, on your Provincial status!

We're all Provinces within a united Canada.
Fancy that.

Now, can we please carry on with being Canadians while freely enjoying and sharing our cultural diversity?

Oh Canada-s, I stand on guard for thee? This move only creates more disunity "within" Canada.

266 of our elected representatives have committed high treason and all we can do is debate the merits of their action that we just observed Remembrance Day; so quickly we have forgotten what our relatives fought for.

A sad day for Canada, whatever she may now be.

In Canada, everyone is Canadian, but at the same time, everyone is also a product of his or her backgrounds, ranging in nationality across the globe. We are all the same, but we are all different - proud of both our multiculturalism AND our Canadian identity.

By exalting one immigrant nationality above all others, we are not encouraging a "United Canada", we are emphasizing a divided population. This motion only serves to set apart one immigrant population above all the others, alienating both itself and the Canadian identity of respect and interest in ALL cultures, regardless of who got here first.

We are ALL immigrants, and as Canadians we ALL have a background story to be told. The French-Canadian story may be longer than the Asian-Canadian or Irish-Canadian, but that does not make the latter less valid within a "United Canada" than the first.

And as a footnote, since when is this country referred to as a "United Canada"? is PM Harper trying to make a play on words regarding the "United States"?

Security is the ultimate recourse for defusing the enduring tense situation that exists in Québec when talking about its relationship with the rest of Canada.

Yesterday's vote in the House of Commons has brought the Québécois a huge and long awaited dose of it in that it's telling us that the picture we see of ourselves in the mirror is real and not that sordid deformity that too many of our Canadian compatriots would like us to believe.

If Canada is to remain our home and country, we have to feel comfortable and accepted by all of its citizens. The consensus reached in the House of Commons on the "nation" motion demonstrates just that.

Yes, there will be claims of constitutional amendements and manoeuvres to better serve the interests or the Parti Québécois, but for the moment the need to say "yes", or even hold à future referendum, seem to have dissipated for a good number of Québécois.

Lionel Filion,
Gatineau, Qué.

What do you do with a whining brat of a child who is never satisfied? Give them exactly what they want? Certainly not! I can just imagine what Harper's children are like!

I for one think we should start taking everything away and out of Quebec. Let's cut them out completely.

Let's start with one of their best toys, Air Canada.

Oh and lets cut them off from the Canadian Dollar too - sorry junior no allowance for you.

I would like to remind those who insist on using the excuse that French language is the reason why Quebec should be distinct from the rest of Canada.

There are many countries in the world today that are bilingual. Switzerland has 4 recognized official langauges. Belgium has two langauges and India has over 200 languages and dialects.

You don't see these countries recognized as nations within a nation.

It's a matter of recognition and respect. The Quebecois hope that being recognized as a nation within Canada (and one of the founding nations of this country, for that matter)...that their voice will be heard in Ottawa.

Many Quebecois do not actually want to separate but they feel that such threats are the only way they can get some attention. Wouldn't the recognition of Quebec as a nation within Canada make the Quebecois happier and less in favour of separation?

I am absolutely furious at the Quebec Nation Motion. Here is a PM that is from Western Canada, supporting this motion just so he can gain a few seats in Quebec, and ignoring his base.

I believe in the Canadian mosaic that we all are one piece of the country that is Canada, are preserved in every detail, and contribute equally and as such are treated equally.

This motion is the very opposite of that. What shocks me is how the Liberals of all the federalist parties could have supported the motion. If we are still debating Quebec sovereignty in 50 years or even a decade, as a citizen it makes me wonder why stay in Canada.

Enshrining the fact that Quebec is a "nation" in the highest legal authority in the land is a mistake. Because now it's a stepping stone to futher demands. It would have been much better simply to have the PM announce that Quebec was a "nation" rather than have Parliament enshrine such a declaration in Canadian law.

In this case, every province and territory should be considered a nation since we all have our own particularities. We will one day be known as: The United Nations of Canada...

Sound familiar?

Hmmmm......

I'm willing to bet that Charles de Gaulle is really laughing at us now...

I'm French Canadian but I am appalled by this decision and by the frame of mind French Canadians have. Listening to them talk about 'losing our culture' and 'losing our heritage'. Isn't being CANADIAN our culture and our heritage? Having both languages should be considered an asset, not as a means of losing ones heritage or culture.

The problem with French Canadians now is that they don't consider themselves Canadians anymore. I find that a true tragedy. Like I said, Charles de Gaulle must be laughing at us all...

Who are the Quebecois?

They must be able to trace their roots back to Champlain.

They must speak French, but can live anywhere in Canada.

They must be living in Quebec.

They can speak English and have emigrated to Quebec last year.

When asked who the Quebecois were, PM Steve replied, "They know who they are."

Reassuring, as it seems no one else does.

I am not an admirer of the USA's political doctrines, but I respect their Citizens. I respect them, because they are Patriotic.

It is quite likely that anyone who tried to create a movement to declare a unique nation within the USA’s borders would find themselves convicted of treason - if the general public allowed that person to reach trial. This is because of their fierce Patriotism, an ingredient that seems to have been left out when making Canadians.

Canadian Patriotism is already in a sad state of affairs, with people affiliating themselves with their cities, or Provinces more than our Country. We do not need to further divide our country. I was going to say "divide our great nation," but apparently Canada is not a "nation."

We need to have the Provinces struggle less with each other, to have them cooperate and help each other, instead of providing another reason why they are different.

There are no positive aspects to recognizing another nation within Canada. Adding new “unique nations” within Canada further segregates our country’s people and makes us appear weak and disorganized to the rest of the world. It takes us one more step towards separation.

Maybe separation is how Mr. Harper plans to make the Canadian dollar more stable and valuable? I know that preserving one's values and history does not have to be exclusive from being a proud Canadian. If separatists want to be acknowledged as something other than Canadian, they can move away.

I know that at least 51% of Quebec’s voting population are proud Canadians, based on referendum results. I know that there a millions of immigrants around the world who would love to take the separatist’s places, and positively contribute to Canada – not only to Quebec. Let’s invite those immigrants to come to Canada, and give them the financial help that they will need to purchase the separatist’s land.
Thank you, Mr. Harper.
You have weakened my country and given me a reason to be ashamed of being Canadian.

What has this accomplished by granting the whining quebecois nationhood within a united Canada but infuriate the rest of the country and drive a wedge between quebec and the rest of us.

Harper is going to pay for this in the next election from western canada. We are sick and tired of ottawa bending over for quebec and ignoring the west. If harper wants quebec to be a nation then maybe the west should too.

Enough is enough. Let quebec be a nation, give them their fair share of the national debt based on their seats in ottawa and move on.

They already get more than they should in transfer payments and money from ottawa in comparison to the rest of the country so it would be nice to see how they would make out in the world without ottawa's welfare and support.

All those who scoff at the possibility of a separate West should return to the previous forum on this topic and review the comments by J-P from Quebec. He makes a perfect argument for any region of Canada declaring itself distinct in some way and hold the rest of Canada ransom.

Let them stay in and use the rest of us. I want out!!

This is a good move by Harper, it shuts down any argument the Bloc had about Canada not recognizing us as distinct, a nation or whatever their next term will be. The separatists plan was to use the rejection of their motion as propaghanda inside Quebec to push for a 3rd referendum.

They really won't get a clue, we said no twice, we'll do it again if they try...i just wish we could debate on real issues instead of whining, whining, whining about everything.

Canada is next to have a referendum about whether Quebec should be kicked out of Canada or not. Why do i have a feeling we deserve the boot? I am ashamed of Quebec and all of those who keep sending Bloc Quebecois deputies to Ottawa. We are running after our own tale while the rest of the world is moving forward.

It is sad to read so many people reading their fears into this motion. Nothing in the wording suggests that Quebecers are "special," merely different.

And nothing in this gesture will impinge on others' rights and privileges. Of course, everyone will read into the wording whatever he or she wants to hear, but I would like to read this motion in the spirit of gift-giving--giving to certain Quebecers recognition of their distinct culture and heritage.

As an anglo-Quebecer myself, I feel I can do that without jeopardizing my own identity or rights in any way.

Others will say then that we are a nation of many ethnic nations, but this is just not historically accurate. This country was settled principally by two nations, and while one had to lay legal claim to the land, they both stayed.

That situation does not erase a heritage or a culture. Yes, everyone in Canada has the same legal rights and privileges, even if you have just arrived here. But what this motion attempts to do, I think, is offer some symbolic recognition to historical contribution and cultural difference.

If it makes certain Quebecers feel more comfortable within Canada, if it reaffirms some aspect of their self-identity--which I believe is all the vast majority of the Québecois really want--and does so without any constitutional loss to others, I don't see how that can be bad.

We refer to Aboriginal Peoples as First Nations and that doesn't grant them anything special but historical and cultural recognition.

Sovereignists will of course try to take advantage of this but I don't think there is the political will here to pursue this any further. In fact, if Canadians can put aside their fears and support the sentiment of this motion, the whole separatist issue might finally be settled.

I was very surprised the senate voted in favour of recognizing quebeqouis as a nation within a united Canada. This is a very dim day for Canada. Soon Quebec will seperate along with the rest of the provinces. This has the fall of Canada written all over it. It only needed Stephen Harper to get the ball rolling.

F.E. Nelson-Smith said:

"During the Meech Lake debacle, Clyde Wells announced in Newfoundland that one would have to be deaf, dumb, blind and stupid not to see the consequences."

If that is the case, I challenge anyone who is critical of this motion to finally and specifically list just some of the supposedly terrible consequences that come from this motion. If it's that easy, you should have no trouble.

Yet every time I've implored people in this way, I have been met by more of the same cryptic and vague fearmongering.

Apparently the argument on the other side ends the minute somebody asks a simple question. There is a clear allergy to hard questions and an allergy to specifics on the "anti" side of this debate.

There is no fact, no logic, and no reason employed. Just fear. That was tried before to smear the current Prime Minister and any ideas and policies he might bring forward to change the status quo.

Eventually, Canadians get tired of it and look for the meat and substance in the anti- arguments. If they were dependent on that meat to survive, they'd starve to death.

For those that voted for the PC's in the last federal election, this is just the start of Harpers vision for Canada....Alberta will be the next with a label of 'nation within Canada'.

A true Canadian knows that every province/territory and every person in Canada is unique in their own way. But we don't go out of our way to hand them special treatment......Bring on the next Federal Election and watch the Tory Blue Crumble!

Eleanor...maybe tell your son to learn the definition of nation. In case you don't know it's "A large aggregate of people united by common decent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular country (in this case Canada)." Thats what Quebeckers are. Its quite simple. It doesn't mean they have any privileges. Harper is only stating a fact when he says they are a nation within Canada.

I am very surprised. I grew up in the French and English enviroment in THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC.
I learned in school, at home and in the working
enviroment that Quebec was a PROVINCE in Canada, just as all the other Provinces.

Has someone rewritten Canadian History. They should have informed us because my 4th son is in grade 5, this year and again We are learning the names of the provinces and QUEBEC is still one. Where does "THE NATION" within Canada fit?

That the Quebecois are a distinct culture within Canada is without question. Clearly they are. It’s not about that.

What is being questioned is the appropriateness of singling out one specific ethnic group to constitute a nation within a nation. Particularly when there are no clear guidelines for what this actually means.

Furthermore, the province of Quebec is home to many other people. Since certain elements within the Quebecois nation have been pretty much left to themselves to determine what this new status means to them, you can be sure it won’t be a good thing.

Clearly Mr. Harper thinks he’s rather clever for creating a huge mess that he believes will eventually make Quebec separatists look bad and create division in Quebec along ethnic lines. Does he think he’s running a country, or playing a board game of ‘Risk’?

We have not even properly addressed the “status” of the native peoples in Canada. Now we have a nightmare of semantics, with the potential of tying up a lot of future time, resources and money. I personally am disgusted by the motion, and I think it is a step in the wrong direction to begin singling out specific ethnic groups for anything.

Some of the greatest crimes of the last century were done in the name of ethnic separation and elitism. Why isn’t Harper (or his supporters) looking at the big picture?

Congratulations Quebec! You are now a "nation within a united Canada." What the heck does that mean?

You still don't have your own independent governing body, you still have to pay taxes to Canada as a provice, you can't split from us to become your own truly independent country, none of that. Don't fall for this lip service, don't give that clown the vote.

For those of you proud to be Canadians living within the province of Quebec, I thank you, I too am a proud Canadian. For those of you who want more though, I respect your ideals, and I urge you to read into this not-so-fine print - this does nothing to help you gain independence, it just strengthens the Conservative stranglehold by buying your votes.

The most significantly "wrong" aspect of the motion is the failure to define the word "nation". I would submit, that if "nation" meant, "a group of peoples who with an established trade, justice, and self-governing system PRIOR to the establishment of the country called Canada (1867)", then it would apply to the Quebecois as it does in this context apply to all First Nations groups.

A recognition that, at some time in the past, the establishment of the dominion of Canada has absorbed a pre-existing 'nation' of peoples. A deserved status. Newfoundland? Maybe ... It would not, then, apply to (say) Westerners, or other ethnic groups, such as Vancouver's Chinese community, which became established AFTER Canada became a dominion.

WHY has "nation" not been defined in the context of the motion? 30 million people are uneasy. Harper, Ignatieff, ANYONE - tell us what you mean! If it is anything OTHER than as above, then this motion is a divisive and dangerous move, and not in keeping with the nature of Canadian citizenship.

This is pure political hot air, which does not achieve anything for Quebec or for Canada.

It does however use language that suggests that it might be acceptable for some ethno-cultural groups in Canada to be "more equal than others", a notion which should be strongly rejected by all of us.

I find it astonishing that our elected representatives would vote for something so ambiguous as recognizing Quebecois as a "nation". What ever happened to debate, due-process, and clarity?

Neither the Prime Minister, his government, nor the Opposition Liberals have a defined notion of nationhood. We are left with that of the Secessionists to define that which we hold so sacred. Canadian Unity (or the lack thereof)

I'm not sure what the big deal is. Th United Kingdom has 4 internationally recognised "nations" within one state.

Quebec is distinct from the rest of Canada.

They have their Language police that penalizes the use of the English language. They were the home to the FLQ, Canada's version of terrorism. They reward its citizens to have more children fearing an end to their culture. They show little respect, if any, for anything that is Anglo-Canadian or Anglo-American.

What should have been written in the Candian Constitution was, " All Provinces and Territories are very distinct from Quebec". If there is another Referendum in Quebec, maybe the rest of Canada should vote to see if we want them to stay or not.

I'm a Nation, you're a Nation,
He's a Nation, she's a Nation.
Wouldn't you like to be a Nation, too?

...within a unified Canada, of course.

A mosaic. In a melting pot.

Where else but in Canada?

Those who think that the motion is meaningless are only deluding themselves. Quebec will use it to push for more powers and I think that it is inevitable. You won't be able to push the genie back into the bottle.

On a personal note, I say bring on a Quebec "National" Hockey team for starters. I have dreamed about something like this since my teen days back in the 1970s. This is a good day, I am very pleased about these developments.

I would like to explain the reason why Québec wants to be recognized as a Nation. It is simple. Québec is the only place in North America where French is politicaly and culturaly predominant. Quebeckers always wanted to preserve their heritage and I ask myself this question: What would English Canada do if they were the one surrounded by 300 million French speaking people? If you ask yourself this question, maybe you will understand us.

Thank you
Éric Plante

It strikes me very odd that while we are fighting a war that was founded on differences of race, religion, language and culture that our government has said that it is okay for one small portion of our country to be called distinct or different from the rest of us.

I fear we are heading down the slippery slope to become the United States of Canada.

Shameful.

This is a bold political move by Mr. Harper. Kudos if it pays off. If it does work it will rebuild the conservative presence in Canada to a majority status by rebuilding the Quebec conservative party presence decimated by Mulroney’s poor leadership. This would in effect draw Quebecers back into a federalist vision of Canada, and reduce the separatist influence. Of course, it could also backfire and help add tinder to separatist flame on the provincial front.

Well, now it begins. You will see all kinds of quebec wanting their "own" versions. The "quebec team" for hockey is only the beginning. What next? No GST for Quebec? Why would they pay a tax to Canada? Quebec teams in the Olympics? Quebec voice at NATO/UN? It is only a matter of time now.

I find it truly absurd that this discussion takes place in light of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples 10 year report card released last week. Once again Canada has failed Aboriginal people in terms of sovereignty.

Through no fault of many Canadians, there exists much ignorance about Aboriginal people in which our government has failed to correct as a result of the underlying shame attached to the historical relationship with Aboriginal people. Let us not forget that prior to confederation or Viking contact, Aboriginal people had soveriegn Nations in what is now called Canada.

It doesn't surprise me that the Harper gov't would make this gesture, symbolic and otherwise, to Quebec. Harper and his party do not understand Aborignal people. Besides, there are more seats in Quebec - can you say spring election?

There is no doubt that Quebecois are a distinct society as are Newfoundlanders, Cape Bretoners, Prairie folk, etc. But, that is where it ends. Once again, Aboriginal people have been overlooked.

Thanks to Gordon Campbell for speaking up - we need more Gordon Campbell-like politicians.

Liberals take notice.

Having chosen Canada as my new home country five years ago, I have come to appreciate the geographical vastness and the true multi-cultural society we are fortunate to live in.

However, although one nation, it does not take one long to realize that Canada is struggling with a severe identity crisis. Recognition of Quebec's socio-cultural "nation" within Canada is a childish game of wordplay by Mr. Harper for strategic purposes.

This motion is the extra fuel on the fire to renew the independence issue which supposed to be resolved in previous referenda. Let's move on, be one and successful.

I was born and raised in Montreal to a French Canadian(not French quebecois) woman and I now live in Calgary in Stephen Harper's own riding and I have been priveleged to have seen and experienced this wonderful country from coast to coast.

The government should not single out one province as being more unique and special than any other province or territory. What about the Inuit, the Acadians, the First Nations,& the Westerners.

Let's protect the language of the Inuit and Native tribes before we protect french which is alive and well not only in Canada but all over the world.

Let's face it. Harper has managed to alienate the rest of Canada and all the anglophones and ethnic minorities in Quebec as well, since they are not considered "True Quebecois". Harper did this for the sole purpose of winning votes in the next election.

I cannot believe the other Parties have backed him up. This affects all Canadians and we should have a referendum across the country on this matter and put it to rest.

During the Meech Lake debacle, Clyde Wells announced in Newfoundland that one would have to be deaf, dumb, blind and stupid not to see the consequences. In other words, a complete vegetable. Mulroney's protegee, Stephen Harper, and members of the house, have all qualified for that position. Speaking for myself, "Harper, quit destroying my country!"

This was never something that fell to the rest of Canada to "allow" or "disallow." We had a choice to, through the House of Commons, respect a reality in Quebec or disrespect it.

I am very glad that we chose to respect it. There are many nations within Canada. This enriches this country. Tolerance and respect for those nations will help the cause of unity far more than intolerance and rigidity in our view of Canada.

Mr. Chong, while he may be a suitable MP for his riding, was not well-suited to the cabinet position of intergovernmental affairs anyway. He proved this back in March of 2006 when he condemned and criticized the Canada-Newfoundland and Canada-Nova Scotia offshore agreements -- agreements that Prime Minister Harper and the Conservative Party had already very clearly pressured the previous government to get and which Mr. Harper said he supported.

Obviously Chong was fond of running into situations and just assuming his view of the world was the correct and official one. It isn't necessarily the case. Same goes here. There is more to Canada than whatever version of a single unitary nation he imagines. Much more. It's really too bad he didn't listen more to his provincial counterparts when he travelled this country.

I'm glad to see Mr Van Loan take over the job. He has more experience dealing with political people in each region of the country.

As I have already asked people in the previous thread (and 400+ posts later not one critic of this was able to use empirical evidence or reason or logic to offer any specific response), how is this country harmed by this? It isn't.

Also, nothing about this puts Quebec above or below anyone else. It also doesn't preclude or end the possibility of future changes to acommodate other aspirations of others in our federation.

Lets hope this is the first step towards more sophisticated, fair, flexible and mature federalism. Lets celebrate this motion's passing.

One small step for temporary appeasement, one giant leap toward a North American Union.

Shameful. Who are the Quebecers to think that they are special. Newfoundlanders are special too, and so are those in Alberta.

We are all different and 'distinct'. To regard one group as more special than another is to needlessly create divisions within our great country. If you want to be french and live in another country than move to France.

If Quebecers are given a special status than so should all aboriginals and the Acadians. And when there are over 1 million ethnic Chinese-Canadians here we should also make them a 'nation' and make Chinese the third national language. Sound silly? Right, it is.....

This is just another way Stephen Harper hopes to get votes in Quebec and it's going to cause nothing but a lot of heartache and problems in the future as all the other groups that consider themselves to be nations will be pressing for the same thing.
We are one nation-not a nation with a whole lot of other nations within the country-what a nightmare!

Harper has done what Meech Lake and Charlottetown accord failed to do. He has given Quebec even more power and they will continue to get it.

Harper just wants the Quebec VOTE. He has sold out Canada just like MULRONEY did .

Over 1 million French-speaking Canadians live outside of Quebec, and many, many English-speaking Canadians live in Quebec.

If we declare one ethnic group a nation, what's going to happen with Chinese Canadians? Metis? First Nations? I've got part Ukrainian background, can I be my own nation? If it's just a symbolic gesture, why do it?

My grandfather came out west (Morinville, Alberta) from Québec in 1904 before Alberta was even a province. I’m sure he’s turning over in his grave today after the lunacy of declaring Québécois as a nation.

Unfortunately, this ill-timed unclear motion will create some controversy in the country. I think it’s up to Quebecers to decide what they want.

I believe the French language, culture and heritage has been preserved, enhanced and strengthen because we have a nation and country called Canada. I also think that all Canadians are equal.

Many Québecers realize that they have the whole of Canada to live and prosper in as well as remaining proud of their heritage and culture similar to many other Canadians. I am glad to see Canadians from the province of Québec stand up for Canada.

As an Albertan I’m not going to worry one way or the other too much about the issue. However, as a Canadian, in my view it is unfortunate the Parliament of Canada didn’t just say “No” and defeat the BLOC’s motion period. The BLOC contributes nothing to this country and nation called Canada. Nevertheless, I predict there may be trouble ahead.

My country and nation is Canada.

Chuck Dechene
Edmonton, Alberta

Although I certainly do recognise Quebecois as a nation, so are the Acadian and the First Nation, at the minimum. As far the consequences of this motion, I can imagine three scenarios that could happen:

1. Nothing - much ado about nothing... after all, it is Canada ;-)

2. Federalism would become stronger because the federation could temper any further attempts by PQ to get more than their fair share out of the Canadian pot by being threatened that, with Pandora's box now being finally open, anything goes and as other groups would declare themselves as nations, this process would ultimately dilute the power of the Quebecois nation within a united Canada - whatever that really means (who's in this nation and who's out?).

The Feds could simply hint to the Natives (and other groups) the opportunity of strategically requesting nation status, when convenient - thus creating just another tool to manipulate and control the polls and the (Canadian) nation's mood.

I always wondered how it would be if Canada would take the lead on this issue and turn the table around. The whole concept of "nation" even though associated with a community of territory, could "evolve" and be tweaked, as required....

3. Federalism would become vulnerable as new "entities" will rise, breaking apart Canada, or at least loosening it up to a greater extent. Watch out for the underfunded yet economy super-engines, our cities, too!

The ten largest cities in Canada already generate over half of Canada's GDP today. What if they would create a modern Hanseating League of sorts?

There should not be any trouble over this mere name of "nation" within Canada. But I'm sure the Westerners, the aboriginal groups and the Easterners will now demand their "name" be recognized too.

It will be interesting to see what, if any, trouble will come from this. Maybe the Bloc will have another referendum anyway.

Harper placated them (Bloc) for now.

I do not agree with Quebec being a nation within Canada. Canada is an ethnically diverse country from sea to sea.

Why should Quebec receive any different treatment than the rest of us? Canada is rich in culture, but does that mean we need to separate a distinct culture from the whole Canada? Aren't all provinces/territories a part of Canada?

I am proud to call myself Canadian because it is so diverse. But now, I just believe the Conservatives are trying to separate us all.

I congratulate the people of Quebec for their patience, decency, and civilized manner in which they achieved their long dream.

Quebec should be held up as a model to all the world.
Talking and negotiating is the most civilized way to achieve dreams rather than murder, meyhem and other buggery and blood-letting. I admire and love the French culture in Quebec.

Now, how can we get Texas and the South out of the Union without another trajic war of independence.
Maybe the Zionists would be better off following Quebec's example rather than using their Babylonian Talmudic ways to create enemies.

Thank You

PM Harper had no thought about the future of a united Canada when he proposed this motion. It should be seen as the worst political move in Canada's history.

Thank you Mr. Harper for creating a rift that will have consequences for years to come.