In the realm of political discussions within Quebec, the topic of Quebec identity, or lâidentité Québécoise in French, is a recurrent theme. But what exactly does it signify and who holds the authority to define it? In anticipation of the provincial election on October 5, a diverse group of Quebec residents shared their varied perspectives on the matter.
Among those engaging in candid and nuanced dialogues were two women who migrated from India and Pakistan to Quebec during René Lévesque’s era in the 1970s. Additionally, conversations were had with young proponents of Quebec sovereignty with Indigenous and Maghrebi heritage, as well as a Montrealer who distinguishes herself from being solely identified as a Quebecer, along with others who navigate their Quebec pride while staunchly supporting English-language institutions.
Dolores Chew and Shaheen Ashraf, residents of Quebec for over five decades, reminisce about their fondness for South Asian traditions like enjoying a cup of chai. Their sense of belonging underwent a transformation post their participation in the 1980 referendum.
Nabil Ben Ali Ouriaghli and Benjamin Gingras, members of Oui Quebec advocating for sovereignty, envision an independent Quebec that prioritizes inclusivity and unity among its populace. While they acknowledge the need to better communicate this message, they believe there is still progress to be made in this regard.
Shereen Joseph, a proud Malaysian Montrealer, found a sense of belonging in Montreal that she didn’t experience in Western Canada. Embracing her Malaysian heritage, she reflects on how the city and the French language resonated with her, while also contemplating the unfamiliarity of language tensions in the province.
As English school board commissioners, Susan Perera and Allison Saunders view English-language schools as not just educational institutions but also as community hubs fostering bilingualism within Quebec. While both proudly embrace their Quebec identity, Saunders sometimes feels that her identity doesn’t align with certain conventional definitions of what it means to be a Quebecer.