Misconceiving Canada: The Struggle for National Unity

by Kenneth McRoberts (editor)

In the fall of 1996, the prospects for Canada looked bleak; of the many unity crises that Canada has known, this one is undoubtedly the worst. The November 1995 referendum on Quebec sovereignty produced the smallest of victories for the forces of 0.06 per cent or 54,288 votes; it could easily have gone the other way. Moreover, surveys have regularly indicated that in a new referendum the Yes vote could prevail. If there ever was a last chance for Canada this would seem to be it. This book begins by exploring the deep historical roots of the conception of Canada that Trudeau and his colleagues tried to change. The book then moves on to examine how successive governments tried to re-examine the relationship between Quebec and the rest of the country. McRoberts examines the role of the Trudeau government, official bilingualism, multiculturalism, the Mulroney era, and the failures of both the Meech Lake and the Charlottetown Accords. The final chapter of the book examines the 1

Genres: Canada

412 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1997

Reviews

[Elijah Reinhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

In regards to the 1993 federal election – “But for the 1st time in this century, the Liberals formed a government without a majority in Quebec – 19/75 seats and 33% of the vote. Instead, the Bloc Quebecois under Lucien Bouchard, won 54 seats and 49.3% of the popular vote. By voting massively for the Bloc, Quebec francophones could not have demonstrated more clearly their rejection of the Trudeau vision of Canada.” Pg. 219

“The appeal of Quebec sovereignty lies above all in the affirmation of collective identity.” Pg. 256

[Eugène L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Your perception of this book would certainly depend on your political believes.

The main author's suggestions are:
- The mere declaration that English and French are "equal" all over Canada (while in fact they are not) would not be enough to stop assimilation/marginalization of Francophones, not even in Quebec. Therefore, it wouldn't satisfy Quebec.
- However, this declaration (of perceived equality of English and French) makes it difficult to accept any of Quebec's claims, should it be the protection of French language within the province or any special status within the Confederation: "Why would they ask for extras if they are already equal?"
- There is some contradiction between the concept of pan-Canadian multiculturalism and the concept of pan-Canadian bilingualism: "If all the cultures are equal throughout the country, then why would French be better than, let's say, Mandarin?"
- Therefore, Trudeau's vision should be reevaluated: the approach to language policy should become more territorial.

I wouldn't endorse or criticize any of these statements. I should only mention that, although the book is interesting and well-written, it was published in 1997, and, by 2016, some of its ideas and recommendations have become outdated. Still, the book would interest the true history-lovers :)