By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Canadian Party of Quebec (CaPQ) held an event titled “Staying Canadian” in Stanstead on Nov. 24, drawing about 45 attendees in person and an additional seven online participants. The gathering featured a detailed discussion on language rights, constitutional changes, and preparations for a possible third referendum on Quebec’s sovereignty. The event concluded with attendees singing Canada’s national anthem, reflecting the meeting’s unifying theme.
The speakers, Liz Campbell, Colin Standish, and Keith Henderson, addressed concerns about maintaining Canadian identity in Quebec amid growing nationalist movements. Their speeches were followed by a question-and-answer session, during which the audience explored topics like partitioning Quebec, constitutional amendments, and political strategies for protecting rights.
Liz Campbell, CPQ president, opened with a passionate appeal to protect Canadian identity in Quebec. “Above all, I’m a proud Canadian. Are you?” she asked, met with resounding agreement from the audience. Campbell emphasized the importance of engaging with politics and defending linguistic and cultural rights. She criticized Quebec’s nationalist agenda, stating, “The CAQ and all four parties at the National Assembly, including the Liberals, have a nationalist agenda.”
Campbell outlined several financial and policy decisions by the provincial government, including what she described as cuts to essential services and preferential support for French-language initiatives. “They’re cutting on health and education, our two most important pillars of our society,” she said, urging attendees to challenge these measures.
Colin Standish, leader of the CPQ and founder of the Linguistic Task Force, delivered an analytical perspective on the legal and political implications of Quebec’s nationalist policies. He warned about constitutional changes introduced under Bill 96, calling them “detrimental” to the rule of law and Canada’s integrity as a nation.
“The Canadian Constitution is being amended willy-nilly by provincial legislation under the false aegis of provincial constitutions,” Standish stated, highlighting how Bill 96 unilaterally modifies Quebec’s legal status within the federation. He described the current situation as “the Balkanization of Canada,” a term used in his speech title.
