CanPol: *****-umen Showdown

[Flubber]

My understanding was that the Maritimes consist of NB, NS, and PEI.

You are correct although many mistakenly include NL. To refer to the four easternmost provinces, Atlantic Canada is the correct term

[Wezil]

Even if PQ manages to take over the province, do you think it even has a chance of winning an independence referendum? Notwithstanding whether the feds will recognize it, or for that matter all of the legal issues with respect to property and indians (or whatever you canucks call 'em, first nations?).

That's a different issue. The fact the BQ only has 4 seats is irrelevant as it is the provincial government that calls the neverendums.

No, I can't see it happening in the next couple years but I do see it happening someday. In the next 10 years? Lots can happen in 10 years.

[Flubber]

There's oil & gas, but largely not tapped.

Aroun 2000-2001 nova scotia had more offshore exploration than NL.. Higher dollars bid for more parcels and had more companies involved. But in the ensuing years they drilled all the best prospects they saw with no positive results. There have been no significant bids for new parcels in the last few years and they. Have only two gas fields. This industry took another hit about a year ago when Exxonmobil announced they would not do additional development at sable.

So right now the two gas fields are all they have with no prospect for more at present. There could be potentially be much more there but given the recent string of failure sits unlikely there will be anyone looking seriously in the next decade

[Wezil]

You are correct although many mistakenly include NL. To refer to the four easternmost provinces, Atlantic Canada is the correct term

That's what you get for being late to the show.

[Flubber]

Too late. Quebec will be independent within 10 years.

Everything indicates that Harper wants to accelerate the process.

An independent Quebec would be an economic disaster. I don't see any federal power that would Assume that would replace the millions in equalization lost

[Ben Kenobi]

you think it even has a chance of winning an independence referendum?

Not a chance in hell. There's an extra half million 'ethnics' per Parizeau.

[Ben Kenobi]

An independent Quebec would be an economic disaster. I don't see any federal power that would Assume that would replace the millions in equalization lost

They also would lose the north, and lose the border with the Americans and the Ottawa valley and Montreal. The rump state of Quebec would have very little going for it.

[Fake Boris]

An independent Quebec would be an economic disaster. I don't see any federal power that would Assume that would replace the millions in equalization lost

Quite the opposite, it'd be much better off.

Equalization is not even 1% of Quebec's GDP...

[Uncle Sparky]

The Cree, Mohawk etc. have treaties with the Crown, not with Quebec. Last time around, most 1st nations indicated that they would stay part of Canada. Quebec would become the Balkans of North America if Quebecers voted to seperate.

[Asher]

Quite the opposite, it'd be much better off.

Equalization is not even 1% of Quebec's GDP...

Err...look at government revenue, not GDP.

[regexcellent]

I think he means Quebec can implement even higher taxes to make up for it.

[Hauldren Collider]

Serious question: If Quebec voted to secede, would the Canadian federal government recognize it or would we get a Canadian civil war? Is secession constitutional in Canada?

[Uncle Sparky]

80% serious answer -

This almost did happen, and Canada would recognize it. But, as I said, there would be a very prolonged and difficult break up. 1st nations land claims make up a large amount of Quebec's territory and they want to stay with Canada. Canadian assets in Quebec would have to be accounted for. And remember, Quebecer's are basically French - if we do confront them, they will surrender immediately.

The other political consideration Boris missed is that the left leaning Quebecers are moving to the NDP, not the seperatists. And never underestimate the current Liberal premier Charest.

[Fake Boris]

The whole Native story is bull****.

If they can secede from Quebec, they can secede from Canada.

Who wants to set this precedent?

[Flubber]

The whole Native story is bull****.

If they can secede from Quebec, they can secede from Canada.

Who wants to set this precedent?

I do. The precedent is that they may remain Canadian if they wish