You will likely ask me: "Why many French articles?". I tried very hard to find English media which covered this, but a lot of information isn't talked about, like how an over 440% increase in immigration fillings were completed by another province taking over Quebec cases, which tilted this in their favour. Whether you are for the yes or no side, Canada had no right to impede on our democratic rights, and weaponizing immigrants is disrespectful to them to boot.
Parizeau truly believed that the anglophone communities needed to be protected, and it is truly a shame that his poor choice of words were twisted to make it seem like he said something he did not. Protecting anglophones and minorities has been the unanimous position of the sovereigntist movement since its inception, where it was allied with the Irish communities, as evidenced by the speech Parizeau had prepared in the event that the "Yes" side had won.
He states: "I wish to specifically address the members of Quebec's anglophone community to reiterate our attachment to their presence among us and our commitment to respecting and defending their rights and take every measure possible to guarantee in the new Québec constitution the preservation of the identity of their community and institutions. Once written in the constitution, these rights will not be possible to modify without their accord.
Immigrants, permanent residents and refugees whom are currently on Québec soil are wondering what the future will bring. I want them to know that they won't need to fear any chances to their status or current situation. Those waiting for Canadian citizenship will be able to, without further delay request their right to a Quebecois citizenship at the moment sovereignty is proclaimed. We invite them all to share with other Quebecois the exciting challenge of building a new country.
The 65 000 first nations across Québec in spread across 11 distinct nations whom we recognize the existence since 10 years ago must also know that we plan to respect their current rights and ensure that they benefit with us to a level of government autonomy equivalent or higher than what exists elsewhere on the continent. The new constitution of a sovereign Québec will entrench their rights and they will not be possible to modify without their expressed accord."
The fact is, every single sovereigntist leaders since René Lévèsque spoke of giving anglophones a special protected minority status after a successful referendum, as the protection of the French language and culture wouldn't be as much of an urgent matter in an independent Québec. And yet, this is something English media never covered. We have always wanted to include you in this project. We have always wanted to build alongside you, and even in current day, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon reiterates this in English. In an independent Québec, we have a duty of care, and we will be steadfast.
Again, this remains unchanged. While I invite you to join us in the makings of a brand new country that can work in the best interests of its people, more importantly, I want you to know the truth; unfiltered. We can put debates to bed by just going through with the project and believing in ourselves. Sovereignty is not about division and fear, it's about unity and hope. And at least, if you still disagree, at the very least, you can do so while more informed.
And if you immigrated to Québec, welcome, and we would really appreciate your help, but also your valuable input. There are many places to get informed. Montréal has a café named Club Pays where many people come to talk about the project, and they welcome people of any political alignment. Take the time to talk with us, and we will be happy to have a civil, understanding exchange of ideas. Vive le Québec Libre!
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