The BQ fear for their lives and admit the Tories are kicking their ass in PQ
Or, that's how the title of the article would read if I wrote it. So it appears that the Harper government has found an ally in the Bloc Quebecois for now. I presume this has more to do with fear of what another election might do to the BQ numbers, as the Quebecois distrust of the Liberals has now been replaced by a warming to the Tories.
In fairness, the devolution of powers that the CPC has talked about will stand to enhance provincial power across the country and this will help "regionalists" in every province. Also, the Conservatives under The Chin did try to bring Quebec further into the national tent with the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords, so there is some evidence that at least the old Tories hold Quebec important at some level. Of course, the Reform Party fought the Charlottetown Accord tooth and nail throughout the west, so this marriage between the Bloc and Conservatives might set teeth grating on the western side of the CPC.
It will be really interesting to see how the Bloc react to what looks to be a heated debate on childcare - an issue that is crucial to the Quebec provincial government. If they come down on the side of the Conservatives on a deal that appears to take power and dollars from the existing daycare system they will be handing a club to Jean Charest who will then be able to use it on the PQ when the provincial election rolls around.
A bad turnout for the Parti Quebecois in the next provincial election, right now a long shot, combined with slipping support for the BQ might just put the sovereignty debate on the back burner for a few more years.
In fairness, the devolution of powers that the CPC has talked about will stand to enhance provincial power across the country and this will help "regionalists" in every province. Also, the Conservatives under The Chin did try to bring Quebec further into the national tent with the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords, so there is some evidence that at least the old Tories hold Quebec important at some level. Of course, the Reform Party fought the Charlottetown Accord tooth and nail throughout the west, so this marriage between the Bloc and Conservatives might set teeth grating on the western side of the CPC.
It will be really interesting to see how the Bloc react to what looks to be a heated debate on childcare - an issue that is crucial to the Quebec provincial government. If they come down on the side of the Conservatives on a deal that appears to take power and dollars from the existing daycare system they will be handing a club to Jean Charest who will then be able to use it on the PQ when the provincial election rolls around.
A bad turnout for the Parti Quebecois in the next provincial election, right now a long shot, combined with slipping support for the BQ might just put the sovereignty debate on the back burner for a few more years.
