For as long as I can remember, the “national question” has been approached in a dichotomous, often simplistic manner. The recent committee on constitutional issues offers an opportunity to rethink this question by proposing concrete actions to “increase the autonomy” of Quebec. Revisiting the national question in this way allows us to anchor it where it should always be linked: to our national interest.
This notion, neglected in our discussions, is nevertheless essential for us to think about the sustainability and vitality of our national existence and the capacity to realize our aspirations. It represents a balance between the continuity of our culture and our capacity for action, allowing us to act effectively on the political, economic and social levels and thus ensure our sustainability and prosperity.
Today, we face unprecedented challenges: climate change has a direct impact on our territory, our natural resources and our energy future. Added to these are equally crucial issues concerning our society and how we live together, such as demographics, immigration and relations with indigenous peoples. These challenges require us to innovate and rethink our structures to find solutions that protect and promote our national interest.
The question of autonomy, too often reduced to conflicts over provincial jurisdictions, nevertheless concerns certain threats that are sometimes even more clearly linked to our future. Consider, for example, the recent manoeuvres of Asian actors on our territory, American hostility towards our linguistic laws, or even Canada’s declaratory power, a veritable sword of Damocles hanging over our energy and climate sovereignty.
Being fully aware of our best interests is a necessary prerequisite for formulating adequate solutions to the challenges of our time. The legal proposals made by the colleagues of Droits collectifs Québec are a step in the right direction and deserve to be complemented.
To guarantee this national interest, Quebec must move from a provincial attitude to that of a state, as it itself has enshrined in the Act respecting the exercise of the fundamental rights and prerogatives of the people of Quebec and the State of Quebec. This implies first of all that it equip itself with a true head of state.
Contrary to what one might believe, this role is not filled by the Premier of Quebec, who is the head of government. The real head of state is currently the Crown, represented here by a lieutenant-governor, whose symbolic and imperial role is not only useless, but humiliating. The recent abolition of the oath of allegiance to the king and the motion to abolish the office of lieutenant-governor open the way to a necessary innovation: that of its replacement.
In this respect, the example of Ireland is enlightening. In 1937, when it adopted its Constitution, Ireland created a position of president while maintaining the representative of the British crown. Similarly, it is entirely possible that Quebec would respect the constitutional framework while introducing a president.
This new role could be limited to ceremonial functions, as in Ireland or Italy, ensuring the stability of institutions and embodying our shared values. A role that is particularly relevant in times of significant polarization. However, the incumbent could also be entrusted with even more concrete responsibilities: looking after our national interest, officially representing the State and ensuring the vitality of our democratic institutions.
As the official representative of the State, the President would be the privileged interlocutor of the Indigenous nations. He would initiate dialogues from an equal-to-equal, or even nation-to-nation, perspective with these peoples with whom we share a territory and a heritage. He would also ensure that Quebec is involved in any international negotiations led by the Canadian government that directly affect our interests, such as the protection of the French language.
In situations where the national interest requires clarification—for example, on the issue of immigration—the president could, at the request of elected officials or citizens, convene a general assembly to enrich the democratic debate before referring the issue to the executive, once the general will is better understood. Finally, the president would ensure compliance with the fundamental principles enshrined in our constitution, such as the protection of our territory.
A Quebec constitution, which we know could be adopted by way of constitutional amendment, would clarify the conflicting powers between the levels of government by codifying them. It could enshrine fundamental values, such as hydroelectricity as an inalienable asset of the Quebec nation, partnership with Indigenous nations, the defence of the Francophonie and global cultural diversity, as well as our unique integration model, including secularism.
The challenges facing us are too great for us to continue to dodge them. The solutions are within our reach and Quebec is ready to tackle them.