The Quebec Nation
On May 23, Jean Charest, speaking as the Premier of Quebec stated that: “Quebec forms a nation through its history, language, culture and institutions.” He also spoke of the equality of men and women, primacy of the French language and the separation of State and religion.

The word “peoples” is conspicuously absent from his definition of the Quebec nation; because, for him to to include it would force the recognition of the true founding members of these lands, its aboriginal people; and also, it would force recognition of the role English Quebecers have in Quebec’s culture, history, language and institutions.

There may be equality among men and women, of which the Premier can be proud of, but as long as Quebec’s peoples remain outside of the nation, nothing will change.

The Bouchard-Taylor commission spoke with strength and wisdom, but the politicians have weak knees.