P.M.: Canada Recognizing Kosovo Not Akin To Quebec Separation
Posted March 19, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
On Tuesday, Canada joined more than 30 other countries in recognizing Kosovo as an independent nation.
That move sparked renewed interest in the “Quebec Question.”
One provincial separatist said he hoped the move to recognize Kosovo will backfire on Ottawa. Speaking in French Pierre Paquette said the similarity between Quebec and Kosovo is the right to autonomy.
That statement angered one Albanian now living in Canada.
“They shouldn’t point to Kosovo’s independence, Kosovo’s example, because those people has been hundred and hundred years oppressed by invaders (sic),” said Roland Isaj.
“Freedom is the main ingredient. It doesn’t exist in Kosovo, and it exists for every citizen in Quebec,” agreed another.
Paquette, a Bloc Quebecois MP, may have a difficult time making that case to residents of his province: a recent CROP poll showed the Liberals in first place at 35 per cent, the Parti Québécois close behind with 32 per cent, and the Action Démocratique in a distant third with 21 per cent support.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper also drew a distinction between the two regions.
“In the case of Kosovo, the situation that evolved there was a situation of war, terrible suffering by the Kosovars. I think Quebecers have been very clear. They’re not interested in more referendums and more debate about separation. They want to get on with building a strong Quebec within a strong Canada.”
Despite his “strong” words, the federal leader knows that separatism in any context is a sensitive issue.
Immediately after Canada recognized Kosovo Tuesday, Serbia recalled its ambassador.
