Generalized sigh of relief in the cottages.
The lesson givers are wrong. The remonstrances of the diverse left are overrated. The self-righteous indignation of the chroniclers of English Canada is misplaced.
Finally, Quebeckers are no more wary of immigration than the rest of Canadians.
This time, it’s not anecdotal.
As the Léger poll published in our pages demonstrates, the relationship of Quebecers to immigration thresholds is essentially the same as in English Canada.
Proponents of unbridled immigration represent barely a fifth of the population. Worse, they are not more numerous in Montreal, or Toronto, than in our regions too often presumed to be xenophobic “because they do not know any immigrants”.
This is one thing settled. The problem is the sequel.
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Another Canada
When we dig a little deeper, it is clear that Quebecers still dream of a Canada where they have a special status.
It is the fantasy of sovereignty without independence. The bet of a Quebec master at home, but which, in addition, has a right of scrutiny over Canadian decisions from which it seeks to dissociate itself.
This is why 55% are calling for Quebec to repatriate more powers in matters of immigration. But in the same breath, nearly three-quarters of voters would like Quebec to be consulted on the targets set by the federal government.
We want Ottawa to leave us alone, but we are demanding the equivalent of a right of veto over its affairs.
There was a time when such an imbalance was possible. It was the era of the Meech Lake Accord, the era when Quebec had to be accommodated to ensure its continued existence within Canada.
But it’s been 43 years! Canada survived. The threat of sovereignty no longer offers the balance of power of yesteryear.
Cul-de-sac
These data confirm it, the nationalism of François Legault finds itself in an impasse.
Sixty percent of Quebecers want him to adjust our immigration to preserve Quebec’s weight in the federation. But only 22% are ready to welcome more.
How to reconcile the two?
His silence in this regard since the publication of our dossier on the Initiative of the Century is sadly eloquent.
There was a time when he did not hesitate to evoke the Louisianization of Quebec to claim a strong mandate against Ottawa. Suddenly, he has nothing else to offer than a “we will fight to preserve our political weight”.
Oh yes? How? He will have a lot to do to convince Quebeckers to bet everything on Francophone immigration. With 47% in favor of such an avenue, we are far from a consensus!
Attacking the leader of the Parti Québécois by making fun of the “big night” may buy him time, but does not solve the root of the problem.
Moreover, this one cannot be evacuated like a 3e identity link. Two-thirds of Quebecers feel challenged by the question.
After relaunching Quebec nationalism, François Legault does not have the luxury of ignoring the new deal. That would be to accept a Canada that runs to the political marginalization of Quebec. That would be demonstrating a defeatism contrary to his promise of a strong Quebec in a united Canada!