In the realm of political discussions in Quebec, the topic of Quebec identity, or lâidentité Québécoise in French, frequently emerges. But what exactly does it signify and who gets to define it? Leading up to the provincial election on October 5, a diverse group of Quebec residents shared their varied viewpoints on this subject.
The conversations that ensued were enlightening and multifaceted. I engaged with individuals such as two women who migrated from India and Pakistan to Quebec during René Lévesque’s era in the 1970s. Additionally, I spoke with young advocates of Quebec sovereignty with Indigenous and Maghrebi backgrounds.
I also had the opportunity to discuss with a woman who identifies primarily as a Montrealer rather than a Quebecer, along with two others who navigate their Quebecois pride while staunchly supporting English-language institutions.
Let’s delve into their perspectives.
### Embracing a More Inclusive Quebec
Dolores Chew and Shaheen Ashraf have called Quebec home for over half a century while still cherishing South Asian traditions like savoring a cup of chai. Reflecting on their experiences over tea and snacks, they fondly reminisced about a Quebec shaped by René Lévesque. One of them even voted ‘Yes’ in the 1980 referendum, although their sense of belonging underwent a transformation thereafter.
### The Youth Driving Quebec’s Sovereignty Movement
Nabil Ben Ali Ouriaghli and Benjamin Gingras, members of Oui Quebec, a grassroots movement advocating for sovereignty, envision an independent Quebec that prioritizes inclusivity and unity among its people. While they hold firm to their beliefs, they acknowledge the need to amplify their message.
### A Proud Montrealer – Beyond Quebec and Canada
While Western Canada didn’t resonate with her, Montreal captured Shereen Joseph’s heart. Settling in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough, she found her true identity as a Montrealer, rooted in her Malaysian heritage. She elaborates on how her cultural background facilitated her integration into the city, highlighting the unique dynamics of language tensions in the province.
### Advocating for English-Language Institutions
Susan Perera and Allison Saunders view English-language schools as not just centers of learning but also as hubs for community building and fostering bilingualism in Quebec. Both commissioners take pride in their Quebec identity; however, Saunders occasionally feels that her identity may not align with conventional definitions of Quebecois identity.
For more insights on what Quebec identity means to you, feel free to reach out to Sudha Krishnan at sudha.krishnan@cbc.ca.
