Curtis: Do separatist movements around the world have anything to learn from the PQ?

By: /
6 September, 2012
By: John Curtis
Adjunct Professor at Queen's University and Chair of Statistics Canada's Advisory Committee on International Trade Statistics

Yes; the PQ has been a well-organized, umbrella, and relatively moderate political organization since its founding in the late 1960s, attracting as candidates and spokespersons generally highly intelligent persons from its core constituencies – academe, unions, social groups, and small business, all within the mainstream of Quebec society. The overall (but unique) overall context of a loose Canadian federal system, with a linguistic minority in charge of its own government with clear constitutional responsibilities, has been helpful to the PQ as a successful political organization as well.

Before you click away, we’d like to ask you for a favour … 

 

Open Canada is published by the Canadian International Council, but that’s only the beginning of what the CIC does. Through its research and live events hosted by its 18 branches across the country, the CIC is dedicated to engaging Canadians from all walks of life in an ongoing conversation about Canada’s place in the world.

By becoming a member, you’ll be joining a community of Canadians who seek to shape Canada’s role in the world, and you’ll help Open Canada continue to publish thoughtful and provocative reporting and analysis.

Join us