The word “sovereignty” is a very meaningful word. It means, according to Multidictionary of the French language, “independence of a State” or even “supreme authority of a sovereign, of the people in a democracy”. In itself, wanting the sovereignty of Quebec means wanting the Quebec people to be able, through their elected representatives, to have supreme authority over political orientations, social and societal measures in their own territory.
Sovereignty therefore presupposes that there is a sovereign. The latter, depending on the regime, can be monarchical, theocratic or democratic. In the case of Quebec, it is requested that the Quebec people be able to freely choose their representatives and that they have the last word on the management of the State.
Thus, if a State is constantly afraid of seeing its rights, its actions, its prerogatives violated, it is therefore not sovereign but vassal (said of a group or a country which depends on a other, which is subordinate to it)
Vassal
This is somewhat the context in which we are currently in Quebec. Indeed, through numerous examples, even if Quebec decides on certain laws with its National Assembly, Canada can undo everything by financing appeals before the courts. Without forgetting the various setbacks experienced by Quebec in terms of financing, or the incessant interference in Quebec’s powers. Why such actions by Canada towards Quebec? Because Quebec is a province, it therefore only has some largesse from its sovereign, Canada. We are therefore in a relationship of vassal to sovereign.
As a first-generation immigrant, who arrived in Quebec in 2011 and has the right to vote, I must say that this question of sovereignty interests me. Like many immigrants, I did not experience the two referendums and I have no ancestors from New France. The emotion and this strength of wanting to become a country is therefore not of the same nature as many Quebecers.
However, it seems legitimate to me that a nation distinct by its language, its culture, its history and its relationship with time can have its historical and existential peak. Indeed, like Belgium which became independent in 1830, while it still had only 4.3 million inhabitants in 1846, I cannot imagine that Quebec, having to date double the population, could not become a real country.
Distinct nation
This is not the only reason for independence and sovereignty. We must note that Quebec stands out on many levels from Canada. He understands life, society and state management differently than the rest of Canada. For decades, he has had to fight for the survival of the French fact and the right to be what he wants to be; it doesn’t make any sense.
Sovereignty is therefore essential and it should animate everyone who loves Quebec, regardless of political allegiance, origin, gender or any other identity variable. We are, above all, Quebecers and we deserve the same respect accorded to the great nations of the world such as France, Belgium, Spain, Germany and the United States.
Quebec must be able to make its own decisions. Become sovereign, no longer be subordinate to the goodwill and kindness of Canada. Let us remember the beautiful words of General De Gaulle and be proud to become this country so dreamed of by René Lévesque, by Jacques Parizeau and let us proclaim, together, without any embarrassment: Long live Free Quebec!
Photo provided by Raphaël Fievez
Raphaël Fiévez, Holder of a certificate in philosophy, Engaged citizen, Montreal