I think this is just the Liberal and Conservative parties screwing around (as usual) with their eyes on the next election, both trying to curry favour with the Quebec voters. As such, they will try to outdo each other with insincere rhetoric to make it sound like they love the French minority more than their opposition does.

It's so tiresome...

The Liberals sense that the tide is turning in their direction again, and they will have a new party leader soon. The Conservatives are worried about that, so they figure they'll say some nice things to the Quebecois and pick up some votes.

Same old deal. Both those parties are willing to prostitute themselves indefinitely for the Quebec and Ontario vote...any way they can...because it is Quebec and Ontario which are key to winning an election in Canada. And Quebec is unique, because the Quebecois tend to vote as a bloc for some reason. That has historically most often favoured the Liberals, but the Conservatives are not above playing the same game. Actually, they have to play it...if they hope to stay in power very long.

It's silly.

Be that as it may, Canada is a wonderful country and I'm delighted to be here!

Dianavan is absolutely right that if Quebec were to separate there would be VERY serious trouble right away between the French and the Native Canadians, who would claim huge portions of the province and would oppose rule by a Quebec national government! I'm talking about trouble that could go as far as open warfare between the Natives and the Quebec government. No joke.

I doubt that it will happen, though. Like I said, the Conservatives and Liberals are doing what they always do...angling for votes.