Quebec is in full support of the Canadians as they rally to national unity against American tariffs, threats of annexation and a new sense of Canadian Nationalism.
A survey by Angus Reid in February shows that Quebecers are more attached to Canada than ever before and prouder of being Canadians. These numbers increased 15 and 13 points, to 45 and 58%, respectively. This is compared with the results of a similar survey conducted in December 2024.
Quebec, according to a more recent Angus Reid survey, is Canada’s most anti-Donald Trump Province.
Quebec is joining the rest of Canada to mount a powerful economic response during the current trade war. Premier Francois Legault supports boycotting American goods and purchasing local products, diversifying the exports of Quebec and reducing inter-provincial barriers.
A Leger survey found that 41 percent of Quebecers said they were less likely to visit the U.S.
The flags of Canada, both provincial and territorial, will be fluttering in the wind in Ottawa’s downtown in June 2024.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
Quebec’s distinctive identity
Justin Trudeau, the outgoing prime minister, said that Canadians are “more united than ever”. This sentiment resonates in Canada as well as abroad. Mark Carney’s successor as leader told Canadians during his victory speech, that Trump “attacks Canadian workers, businesses, and families, and we can not let him succeed …. We are Canada’s strength when we stand united.
Quebec is a province with a distinct culture and identity in Canada, anchored by the French language. It faces unique challenges during the current crisis.
In my role as a social linguist, discourse analyst and Quebec expert with a broad knowledge of Quebec Studies, I am focused on Quebec’s identity and the uniqueness it has within Canada. In particular, I’m interested in its construction and expression in the public discourse. This is especially true in media and political circles.
Canadian identity has not been the main topic in national discourse for some time. Quebec’s identity, on the other hand, has been an important topic in public debate for many years, fueled and maintained by its media.
It is important to understand what Quebec is and how it deals with its current crisis.
In my work analysing identity-related discourse, I have consistently found that Quebec is committed to its vision of belonging and identity. The Canadian model, which is based upon multiculturalism and multilingualism, is not the same as this vision.
The Office quebecois de la langue francaise in Montreal in November 2024.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
The Interculturality of the People
Quebec, unlike multiculturalism in Canada, adheres to an interculturalist model of managing diversity. The goal of the intercultural model is to balance diversity and a French-language national culture.
Interculturalism is important because it means that the French-Canadian culture no longer defines Quebec’s identity. Quebecers from all backgrounds will be encouraged to engage in a civic culture that is common. This model uses the French as the language for civic engagement.
The linkage between national identities and cultures becomes crucial when they are anchored within a shared culture. Both are threatened when one of them is. In the opposite direction, strengthening one will likely strengthen the other.
Quebec promotes and supports the French language, Quebec culture and Quebec’s identity.
Both English and French Canada face the same longstanding problem of fighting Anglo-American dominance in culture to preserve a unique cultural identity.
Quebec’s identity is at risk if it becomes a part of the Anglo American cultural world, and if more cuts are made to its already low-funded cultural sector due to tariffs.
Anti-Trump demonstrators stop before the United States Consulate during a protest on January 20, 2017, the day after Trump’s inaugural address, in Montreal.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
Cultural and economic ties
Legault’s pledge to safeguard Quebec’s identity, language and values in the face of an impending economic crisis can be explained by this.
The economy and culture in this province are closely interconnected. For example, a coalition regional arts festivals has asked for an end of funding directed to U.S. companies that organize cultural events within the province.
The 4 Nations Face-Off Championship hockey game will be played in Boston on February 20, 2025.
(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Fans across Canada, including Quebec, were elated by the Canadian hockey team’s win at the 4 Nations Faceoff.
Quebec is working to pass legislation that will recognize hockey as Quebec’s sport of choice. This shows the passion shared by Quebecers and Canadians.
Quebec and Canada are reportedly closer after Trump’s threats of tariffs and annexed. Is this closer relationship due to a greater awareness of common priorities or a mutual respect for those that are different? Answers should be forthcoming in the coming weeks and month.
