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Tag Archives: Alex Salmond

Further Comments on Premier Marois

01 Friday Feb 2013

Posted by michelinewalker in Canada

≈ Comments Off on Further Comments on Premier Marois

Tags

Alex Salmond, Bloc québécois, Canada, Charles Le Brun, London, Paul Caron, Pauline Marois, Scotland

Paul Caron (1874-1941)<Le marché Bonsecours
Marché Bonsecours, Montréal, by Paul Caron (1874-1941)
Paul Caron, A.R.C.A. (1874-1941)
(with permission from La Galerie Walter Klinkhoff, Montréal)
 

Total “failure” revisited

It seems the human brain works 24/7.  At any rate, mine does.  So, yesterday morning, when I woke up, I was still tired but Madame Marois’ visit to Switzerland, London and Scotland, in particular, no longer seemed a complete “failure.”

Quebec is open for business

In the short-term, it may seem a failure.  She did not receive the support of a higher political figure, but in her London meeting with businessmen, she played down sovereignty.  There may not be a referendum during her years as Premier of Quebec, as Québécois and Quebecers will vote when they “are ready,” she says.

Madame Marois holds an MBA (Masters of Business Administration).  Consequently,  the person who addressed a crowd of businessmen (the term includes women) was credible.  In fact, she was a colleague and she speaks English.[i]  She could understand the persons she addressed and they could understand her.  Quebec was open for business.

Secession: when Quebecers are ready

Madame Marois did not dismiss the Québécois’ “right” to disagree and secede.  She said:

‘This, of course, is an internal debate and a decision regarding Quebec independence will be made only when Quebecers are ready.’” (See The Globe and Mail.)

Moreover, our London businessmen were not reading a newspaper.  They were hearing a real person and a person with whom one can speak.  Not only is Quebec open for business, but business is a subject matter Madame Marois is familiar with.  The political party representing Quebec in Ottawa, a party now inactive, is the Bloc Québécois.  What if it changed its name?  The word “bloc” suggests solidarity, but it also suggests systematic opposition.  Such is not the case.

I am certain members of the Bloc Québécois would not like to be compared to American Tea Party naysayers or Republican extremists now in Congress in the United States.  Monsieur Gilles Duceppe (born July 22, 1947) having lost the last Federal election in his own riding (circonscription) the Bloc Québécois has a new leader: Daniel Paillé (born April 1, 1950).  I am not suggesting that Monsieur Duceppe was a poor leader.  I am simply noting that the Bloc has a new leader and that, usually, new leaders bring changes, however small.

Back Courtyard, Cabbies, Montreal, c. 1920

Back Courtyard, Cabbies, Montreal, by Paul Caron, c. 1920

Lowering the voting age: maybe one day

As for lowering the voting age, Madame Marois gave the impression that she was postponing such a decision.  For one thing, it is unlikely that members of Quebec’s Assemblée nationale (The National Assembly) would vote in favour of this motion.  It has already voiced disapproval.

I should think that supporting the students earned Madame Marois many votes.  But onlookers who knew that Quebec could not afford free tuition were not impressed. Many sensed that their leader was not respectful of the students and other voters.  She, in fact, cultivated “entitlement.”  The students are about to learn the truth.  How will they react?

It would be my opinion that, in last year’s kerfuffle, Madame Marois hurt herself, her party and the students.  For members of her cabinet, Pierre Duchesne especially, the Quebec Government’s Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology,[iii] last summer’s events are an albatross.  However, in London,

“[w]hen asked whether she would like to drop the age for a referendum on sovereignty, [Madame Marois] replied: “Until now that is not the case, but maybe one day.” (See The Globe and Mail.)

Scotland is not Quebec

Madame Marois also stated that Scotland was not Quebec.  It’s not.  Yet, First Minister Alex Salmond saw a smiling face and a well-dressed, articulate, flesh and blood Québécoise.  If the gift is what I think it is, an Inuit sculpture, Mr Salmond is no doubt very happy.  Madame Marois may not have been in his agenda, but Quebec can no longer be an abstraction to him.

Travel broadens the mind

Moreover, “les voyages forment la jeunesse” (Michel de Montaigne [February 28, 1533 – September 13, 1592]).[i]  Travel broadens the mind.  Madame Marois has now been abroad as the Premier of one of Canada’s ten provinces.  This is not trivial.  I would like to presume that she has become a more cosmopolitan figure, if only to a modest degree.  The image she projected was not one of rigidity.

Michel de Montaigne was of the opinion that minds had to be brushed one against the other (frotter et limer notre cervelle [brain] contre celle d’autrui) and he wrote that the first step in educating children was to take them to neighbouring countries where other languages were spoken.

What I wrote on 30 January 2013 remains valid.  Madame Marois was not listed in Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond‘s diary.  He saw her between two scheduled events.  Everyone knows.  But he saw her and spoke with her.

Symphonie du Marais

La Symphonie du Marais

Conclusion

In the short-term, Madame Marois’ visit to Edinburgh may seem a failure.  She would like to lower the voting age, but failed to enlist support from a greater leader.  However, in the long-term, her traveling to Davos, London and Edinburgh may prove a beneficial endeavour.  The leader of Québec’s Parti Québécois, an indépendantiste party, traveled to the United Kingdom.

Mellowing

The manner in which Premier Marois used students during the spring and summer of 2012 leaves to be desired and her wish to lower the voting age reveals fear and is criticized. Yet, in London, she spoke in a conciliatory manner: “but maybe one day.”  It could be, therefore, that she has mellowed.  Such would be my hope.

The Homefront

However, Marois is facing a moment of truth on Quebec soil.  One cannot give what one does not possess and run up a police bill one’s government can ill afford.  Will Pierre Duchesne, an accomplished politician and journalist, be able to contain the damage or are we about to face more disorderly demonstrations and/ or another General Election?

In 2012, voters survived seven months of shenanigans, thinking, perhaps, as did the students, that Madame Marois was telling the truth.  This time, I doubt very much that Quebec’s National Assembly would allow seven months of disorderly and, as of  11 May 2012, the day Bill 78 was passed, unlawful conduct.

I should also mention that the Clarity Act, passed in 2000, is currently in the news, eliciting memorable phrases: one cannot be “half pregnant,” says Justin Trudeau.  The Clarity Act protects Canadian unity and it makes sense.  Secession should be negotiated.  For instance, one does not simply walk out on a spouse or “conjoint-e.”  There exist separation and divorce laws.  The same is now true of Confederation.  It seems English-speaking Canadians do not want to lose their French-speaking population.  How very nice!

Debating Societies

In Canada, many high schools (secondary education) and universities have debating societies and enter into debating contests.  I have often been a “judge” in debating contests.  They are very exciting.  A group of people has to support views it opposes as well as views it supports and one has to respect rules of conduct.  There are two judges.  I remember one debate that started deteriorating.  Both judges stood up at the same time and called off the debate.  A group of debaters was clearly unruly.

© Micheline Walker
February 1, 2013
WordPress
_________________________
[i] See Vigile.net
[ii] Essais, Livre 1, Chapitre XXVI “De l’institution des enfans.”
[iii] Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche, de la Science et de la Technologie
 
composer: Michel Richard Delalande (15 December 1657 – 18 June 1726)
pieces: Symphonies pour les Soupers du Roy, 5º Suite, La Grande Pièce Royale
performers: La Symphonie du Marais or La Symphonie du Marais (Facebook).
director: Hugo Reyne FR 
artist: Charles Le Brun (1619-1690)
 
 
 (please click on the picture to enlarge it)
 Quebec City, Old Buildings, by Caron
Quebec City, Old Buildings, by Caron

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Pauline Marois: The Scottish Agenda Concluded

30 Wednesday Jan 2013

Posted by michelinewalker in Canada

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Alex Salmond, Bloc québécois, Canada, Clarity Act, New Democratic Party, Pauline Marois, Quebec, Scotland

Justin Trudeau was critical of NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair for being what he called 'half-pregnant

Justin Trudeau was critical of NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair for being what he called “half-pregnant” on the question of Canadian unity. (Chris Young, Canadian Press)

Thistle doorknocker
Thistle doorknocker

Yesterday, 29 January 2013, Madame Marois did meet with Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond. However, according to The Star, “Scotland’s independence leader avoided the public spotlight as he was visited Tuesday by Quebec Premier Pauline Marois.” (See The Star and The Canadian Press, Published on Tue Jan 29 2013 [article].)

I am not surprised, why would the First Minister of Scotland get entangled with Pauline Marois‘ effort to break Quebec’s ties with Canada?  Mr Salmond has nothing to gain from such an involvement. (See The Globe and Mail.)  He is seeking independence for Scotland and United Kingdom’s Prime Minister David Cameron has agreed to a referendum to be held in 2014.

In fact, so uneventful was Mr Salmond’s meeting with Madame Marois that it took place between two planned events, listed in his diary for 29 January 2014. He had not made room to see her. I doubt very much that he even had the time to “refuse” to help Madame Marois. (See The Globe and Mail.)

In short, although he received a lovely gift from Madame Marois and spoke with her briefly behind closed doors, Madame Marois’ visit to Scotland was not the high political drama the bevy of journalists who were following her expected.

Net and Buoys Pittenween, by Frank Colclough

Net and Buoys Pittenween, by Frank Colclough

Thomas Muclair opposes the “Clarity Act”

Of greater interest, I believe, is the bill proposed by the New Democratic Party(NDP). The NDP is the federal party that took away all Bloc Québécois seats in Parliament as a result of the Canadian Federal Election, held Monday, 2 May 2011. The Bloc Québécois, a federal, rather than provincial party, is an indépendantiste or sovereignist party. Since the last Canadian Federal Election, it is inactive.[i]

Thomas Muclair’s New Democrats have introduced a bill that would facilitate secession from Canada were a referendum held in Quebec. It would be the third referendum. See Canadian Opposition in the Times UK). However, Justin Trudeau (born 25 December 1971), Pierre Elliott Trudeau‘s son, is opposed to a repeal of the Clarity Act (Bill C-20). (See Clarity Act, Justin Trudeau.)

The Clarity Act

Under the terms of the Clarity Act (Bill C-20), passed in 2000, there cannot be a “unilateral declaration of independence” on the part of Quebec. For instance, should an indépendantiste or sovereignist party win approval to secede as a result of a referendum, the Federal Government of Canada reserves the right to enter into further negotiations concerning the relationship between Quebec and the rest of what is now Canada.

In other words, should 52% of Québécois and Quebeckers vote in favour of secession from Canada in a referendum, and did so by a narrow margin (52% for; 48% against = 2%), Canada would not consider the results a clear willingness on the part of Quebec citizens to secede from Canada. In fact, whatever the results of a referendum, “secession” can occur only through constitutional reform, not a simple vote.  (See The Globe and Mail.) This view is not shared by Thomas Mulcair’s New Democrats.  (See The National Post.)

So, sovereignty is under scrutiny not in Europe, but right here in Canada, and feathers are flying.

Frank Colclough

Composition with Flowers and Lemons, by Frank Colclough

The Scottish Agenda: a “Failure”

As for Madame Marois, although she succeeded in being elected Premier of the Province of Quebec, it would appear that some members of her Parti Québécois beg to differ with her with respect to certain policies. (See The Globe and Mail.)

Seasoned Globe and Mail journalist Paul Waldie has been following Madame Marois’ European journey and, in an article dated 28 January 2013, he suggests equivocation, or ambiguity in Madame Marois’ statements to a group of approximately 200 business people in London.  According to Mr Waldie, Madame Marois

“has played down Quebec independence, telling a business crowd in London on Monday that there is no referendum in sight and that the province is open for business.” = no referendum

She is also reported not to have mentioned Mr Salmond in her speech to British businessmen.  Paul Waldie writes that

“[i]nstead, she only briefly mentioned sovereignty, saying that she hopes that one day Quebec ‘will be a part of the concert of nations.’”

“But she added: ‘This, of course, is an internal debate and a decision regarding Quebec independence will be made only when Quebeckers are ready.’” (See The Globe and Mail.)

As for lowering the voting age for a referendum on sovereignty, Mr Waldie reports that,

“[w]hen asked whether she would like to drop the age for a referendum on sovereignty, she replied: “Until now that is not the case, but maybe one day.” (See The Globe and Mail.)  = not now

Again, members of the Quebec National Assembly beg to differ:

“[t]he Quebec Liberals as well as the Coalition Avenir Québec party have refused to embrace the idea of lowering the voting age.” (See The Globe and Mail.)

Mr Waldie’s also reports that Madame Marois’ Parti Québécois faces opposition on the part of Canada’s Federal Government, which takes us back to the Clarity Act:

“The Clarity Act, passed by the Canadian Parliament in 2000, makes a similar deal difficult to strike. The legislation says secession can occur only through constitutional reform, not a simple vote. It also puts restrictions on the question that can be asked in a referendum and how large a majority is required for a Yes vote.” (See The Globe and Mail.)

The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister David Cameron (born 9 October 1966) has agreed to a Scottish referendum, which puts Mr Salmond in a more advantageous position than Madame Marois.

Moreover, as noted above, there seems to be dissent within the ranks of the Parti Québécois. We know that Pierre Duchesne, the Quebec Government’s Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, will not entertain the idea of free tuition during his great Summit.

Given his position regarding free tuition, Pierre Duchesne is making Madame Marois’ promises to students seem less than realistic and more clearly manipulative, which takes us back to lowering the voting age.

Comments

I believe that Madame Marois’ European journey may have been an attempt to justify the manner in which she won the Quebec General Election on 4 September 2012. Had Mr Salmond agreed to help her, albeit in one respect only: lowering the voting age, she would have come back to Quebec standing taller. She would have had the support of a greater leader.

Quebec had its revanche des berceaux (revenge of the cradle). Until 1960, its high birthrate kept Quebec’s population growing. As good Catholics, Quebec women did not use contraceptives. However, seeking a “yes” vote from sixteen-year-olds and seventeen-year-olds shows fear of losing a possible referendum and it tends to confirm suspicions that Madame Marois manipulated students during the events, a long and disruptive strike, that led to her electoral victory.

It is as though Madame Marois were admitting that students elected her to the Premiership of Quebec, which is not altogether “honourable” (for want of a better word), no more than her current attempt to lower the voting age.  Pauline Marois’ bid to lower the voting age may hurt her. For that matter, lowering the voting age could also harm Mr Salmond. (See News BBC.UK.)

Conclusion

In short, Madame Marois reassured Europeans. Quebec is open for business. However, she now seems a lesser Premier.  As for Mr Salmond, he received a lovely gift from Madame Marois.

_________________________

[i] The players in the last Canadian Federal Election were:

  • the Conservative Party, Stephen Harper (born April 30, 1959)
  • the Liberal Party, Michael Ignatieff (b. May 12, 1947)
  • the New Democratic Party, Jack Layton and
  • the Bloc Québécois, Gilles Duceppe (now inactive).

Sitting in Parliament are Stephen Harper (Conservative), Thomas Mulcair (born October 24, 1954; NDP) and the Liberal Party, whose members are in the process of choosing a new leader. Michael Ignatieff, its former leader, was defeated in his own riding during the last election, as was Gilles Duceppe. Thomas Mulcair is replacing deceased New Democrat leader Jack Layton (July 18, 1950 – August 22, 2011).

“Will Ye Go Lassie Go”
Scotland Music Celtic Music songs folk Scottish traditional
images© Micheline Walker
January 30, 2013
WordPress

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Madame Marois’ Scottish Agenda

28 Monday Jan 2013

Posted by michelinewalker in Uncategorized

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

Alex Salmond, Davos, Nicola Matteis, Pauline Marois, Pierre Duchesne, Quebec, Quebec Premier, Sarabande, Scotland, World Economic Forum

 pauline-marois
Marois rencontrera son homologue Alex Salmond au Parlement écossais. 
Photo : La Presse canadienne (photo) Clément Allard ι Pauline Marois
(Madame Marois will meet with Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, SNP, at the Scottish Parliament)
 

1) Madame Marois’ possible attempt to enlist the help of Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond or to show that other Leaders are also seeking votes among Young students

  • Le Devoir: http://www.ledevoir.com/politique/quebec/369388/vote-a-16-ans-marois-se-dit-inspiree-par-l-ecosse
  • Alex Salmond: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Salmond
  • Alex Salmond warned: http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/alex-salmond-warned-to-accept-uk-referendum-ruling-1-2762154

Madame Pauline Marois (born March 29, 1949) would like to lower the voting age to 16 years old, as would Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond.  Madame Marois was in London yesterday, but, after attending Davos (World Economic Forum (WEF), she will be traveling to Scotland to discuss this matter (sixteen-year-olds voting) with her homologue (counterpart) Alex Salmond (born 31 December 1954).

Quebec Premier Pauline Marois has been described as an “opportunist.” (See Related Articles). We can now add that she will travel to great lengths to achieve her goals and reveal, by trying to justify her behavior, the manner in which votes may have been obtained in the September 2012 Quebec General Election.

(please click on the image to enlarge it) 

Pauliine Marois with Students (January 21, 2013

Pauline Marois with Students: Announcing Flag Day (January 21, 2013)

2) Pierre Duchesne: Monsieur Duchesne says “no,” for the moment, to the idea of tuition-free education for Québécois and Quebecers

Pierre Duchesne: Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology

  • La Presse: http://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/dossiers/conflit-etudiant/201301/27/01-4615531-pierre-duchesne-ecarte-la-gratuite.php
  • (See also: http://www.lapresse.ca/le-soleil/actualites/education/201301/27/01-4615567-financement-des-universites-pierre-duchesne-ouvre-son-jeu.php)

“Pour la première fois aujourd’hui, le ministre Pierre Duchesne a opposé une fin de non-recevoir aux partisans de la gratuité scolaire, dans le cadre des discussions qui précèdent son grand Sommet sur l’éducation.”

Below, please find a correct, but general, rather than literal, translation, I moved a clause, of the above statement. My quotation was taken from the 27 January 2013 issue of the French-language newspaper La Presse.

  • See also: http://www.lapresse.ca/le-soleil/actualites/education/201301/27/01-4615567-financement-des-universites-pierre-duchesne-ouvre-son-jeu.php

“For the first time today, as part of the discussions preceding his great Summit on Education, Pierre Duchesne, [Quebec’s] Minister of Higher Education, told advocates of free tuition that the idea of free tuition would not be contemplated [during the Summit].”

It’s a dead-end.

Conclusion

It may be hasty to confirm that Pauline Marois, the Premier of Quebec, made promises she could not and cannot respect. However, her [presumed][i] attempt to enlist the help of Scottish First Minister, or use him as an example, suggests that she is seeking the support of very young students. Her traveling to Scotland also suggests that during the last Quebec General Election, 4 September 2012, students may have been used or manipulated so Pauline Marois could further personal goals.

A third referendum: “to separate” or “not to separate” from Canada, may be held sooner than later. (See CBC News)

Will Scotland’s possible or probable example make it easier for Madame Marois to lower the voting age to 16 years old?

Quebec Premier-elect Pauline Marois and her husband, Claude Blanchet, are among the dignitaries atending the funeral services for Denis Blanchette Monday, September 10, 2012 in Montreal. Richard Bain is charged with first degree murder in the shooting death of Blanchette and wounding another man outside the Parti Quebecois election night rally. . THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

Quebec Premier-elect Pauline Marois and her husband, Claude Blanchet, are among the dignitaries attending the funeral services for Denis Blanchette Monday, September 10, 2012 in Montreal. Richard Bain is charged with first degree murder in the shooting death of Blanchette and wounding another man outside the Parti Québécois election night rally. THE CANADIAN PRESS / Ryan Remiorz

This post was written yesterday evening, 27 January 2013, but I could not finish it because my very punctual cat started biting my clothes in an attempt to separate me from my computer? What, a separatist!

I have therefore updated the News links below.

 

The News

English
The New York Times
Le Monde diplomatique EN
The Washington Post
The Globe and Mail
The Montreal Gazette
 
CNN News
CBC News 
 
French
Le Devoir
La Presse
Le Monde
Le Monde diplomatique
 
German 
Die Welt 
 
© Micheline Walker
January 28, 2013
WordPress
_________________________                                     
[i] Presumed, because we do not know whether or not she has spoken with him.
Moreover, she has not met Alex Salmond yet, at least not officially. 
 
composer: Nicola Matteis  (fl. c. 1670 – after 1714), the earliest notable Italian Baroque violinist in London
title: Diverse bizzarie sopra la vecchia sarabanda
(Bizarre Variations on the old Sarabande)
performers: Music of the Spheres
 
RELATED ARTICLES
 
  • Thoughts on Quebec or https://michelinewalker.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=26598&action=edit (michelinewalker.com)
  • More Thoughts on Quebec  or https://michelinewalker.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=26688&action=edit

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