Time to stop stressing about Québec

We Canadians love to worry, we worry about the economy, about the weather, about the direction our elected representatives are taking the country.  When we've had Liberal governments in Ottawa, right wingers have worried about big government.  When its Conservatives on parliament hill we worry about Canada becoming a playground for business interests at the expense or ordinary taxpayers.

Worry, worry, worry.  And when we're not worrying, we're complaining.  Complaining about the same things we worry about and more.  We love to carp about long line ups and gas prices and all manner of things we really can't do much about.

And now, thanks to the recent Quebec provincial election we have something else to worry and complain about, a separatist Parti Québecois government.  

My advice, its time to chill out.

Yes the Parti Québecois has as its ultimate goal the removal of Québec from Canadian confederation, we all know that.  But it isn't happening any time soon, and probably not at all.  Pauline Marois and her party barely squeaked out a victory over Jean Charest's Liberals.  Even running against a tainted and tired government mired in allegations of corruption, the PQ couldn't even manage one third of the popular vote.  

Mme Marois is the sixth Pequiste first minister in Quebec's history. That's right, she's following in the footsteps of Levesque, Pierre Marc Johnson, Parizeau, Bouchard and Landry.  And Quebec is still here, still a part of Canada despite two referendums.

And I am certain that not everyone who voted PQ wants sovereignty.  Not when they've already achieved so much of what they've historically been looking for when the Harper government's recognized Québec as a distinct society.  

There are other reasons for Québecois to vote PQ.  The PQ has strong support with labour, and when unions do well the middle class is strengthened.  Limiting the amount of money that can be donated to political parties and eliminating the tax deductions that go with it is another.  

So relax English Canada, Quebec has elected PQ governments before and it very well may again, that's democracy.  Might I even dare suggest coming for a visit?  This is an absolutely incredible part of the country, and like many places in Canada, the people are warm and friendly.  

Don't wait for a referendum to show your love, take a trip and check out Montreal's nightlife, the Gaspé Peninsula with its incredible scenery, historic Québec City.  Drop in and offer up greetings, and if you really want to show some love, say bonjour instead of hello.