Comments on: Breaking the Mold in Quebec

By: Old Dominion Tory

Old Dominion Tory — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 01:24:52 +0000

Your last comment was most perceptive, Andrew. I think that, if responsible in Opposition, the ADQ could replace the PQ as one of the main parties in Quebec.
I also think that Stephen Harper could lead the Conservative Party of Canada to victory in the next general election for much the same reason. The Liberals demonized and/or derided the Conservatives for years and were able to get away with it until the Alliance and the PCs decided to “Unite the Right.” Although Harper did not win a majority, as a minority PM, he has conducted himself in such a manner as to belie the dire predictions of the Liberals and, thus, made it “OK” for many Canadians to support the Tories. If the Tories can reestablish themselves in Quebec, then they have a very good chance at an outright majority.

By: Dino Marcantonio

Dino Marcantonio — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 22:54:34 +0000

I was not glued to the CBC’s coverage, but I was glued to this most interesting post. Excellent work, Andrew!

By: Ian

Ian — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:42:27 +0000

The adq victory spoke more to the blunders of the liberals rather than the lack of interest in seperation, though it does seem like its on the out. The federal government of Canada in its own way sort of sabotagued the election by giving Quebec a huge budget this year, announcing it right before the election. it kind of, snubbed, the parti quebecois. though the standard tactic of quebec is to hold the country hostage with the banner of seperation, effectively getting more than they could if they were seperate.

By: The Monarchist

The Monarchist — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:27:44 +0000

I was just as glued but have been too busy of late to comment or post. But I see there is no need now, because Andrew Canuck has packaged the results and significance of the evening almost perfectly. In fact, I’m now suspicious of Andrew Canuck’s true identity: Could it be that an American could write so knowledgeably on Canadian affairs?

I bumped into Mario Dumont in a Quebec City bar back in 97 when the ADQ was a one man show, and we had a beer together (along with his buddy aid). Apart from a few drunken words in pigeon French (I’m a native of Victoria, British Columbia)we spoke English. It was a good chat but I always had this dreaded feeling that I was nothing more than some foreign tourist paying a visit to his wonderful country, even though he knew I was from the “Rest of Canada” (ROC).

By: Old Dominion Tory

Old Dominion Tory — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 13:28:04 +0000

Although I was not able to watch the CBC coverage, I took delight immense delight in reading the news of the outcome in the Quebec elections, especially as the ADQ was described as “center-right” (albeit in the Canadian context).
I hope that this election marks the beginning of separatism’s decline in Quebec and the statism that burdens La Belle Province.
Interesting to note that the smugness of the establishment press and pols toward the “inexperience” of ADQ candidates echoes the same that used to directed at the members of Reform and the Canadian Alliance. I hope this bodes well for M. Dumont and his party.

By: Hilary

Hilary — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 13:19:47 +0000

Yes, we can all breathe a sigh of relief now, at least moderate relief, now that the Quebeccers seem to be off their Sovereigntist kick. One of the reasons Canadian politics has been so poisoned with Leftiness is the habit since Trudeau of appeasing the Marxists running the separatist movement in Quebec. I know Harper is smart enough to use this to his advantage.

By: Dom Christopher Lazowski

Dom Christopher Lazowski — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 20:20:59 +0000

Something that has long amused me: in French French, toilet paper is sometimes inelegantly known as PQ, short for “papier-cul”. I don’t suppose the same expression is used in La Belle Province, but it should be.

A Canadian Frenchman, but not a French-Canadian.

By: John L

John L — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:00:46 +0000

Yes, I expect you were the only person south of the border glued to the television watching the Quebec election – you must have cable with access to a lot of channels to have been able to find it. It’s quite a revolutionary departure for Canada as it seems to have put the separatist party out of reach of power. It is also I gather good news for Stephen Harper as it improves his chances of getting seats in Quebec – and in Ontario, since the Liberal selling point of being able to cope with separatists will no longer play there.