Accessibility Statement Skip Navigation
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • Webcasts
  • Data Privacy
  • Français
  • my CNW 
    • Login
    • Register
  • Client Login 
    • Online Member Centre
    • Next Gen Communications Cloud
    • Cision Communications Cloud®
  • Sign Up
  • Send a Release
Return to PR Newswire homepage
  • News
  • Products
  • Contact
When typing in this field, a list of search results will appear and be automatically updated as you type.

Searching for your content...

No results found. Please change your search terms and try again.
Advanced Search
  • News in Focus
      • Browse News Releases

      • All News Releases
      • All Public Company
      • News Releases Overview

      • Multimedia Gallery

      • All Multimedia
      • All Photos
      • All Videos
      • Multimedia Gallery Overview

      • Trending Topics

      • All Trending Topics
  • Business
      • Auto & Transportation

      • All Automotive & Transportation
      • Aerospace, Defense
      • Air Freight
      • Airlines & Aviation
      • Automotive
      • Maritime & Shipbuilding
      • Railroads and Intermodal Transportation
      • Supply Chain/Logistics
      • Transportation, Trucking & Railroad
      • Travel
      • Trucking and Road Transportation
      • Auto & Transportation Overview

      • View All Auto & Transportation

      • Business Technology

      • All Business Technology
      • Blockchain
      • Broadcast Tech
      • Computer & Electronics
      • Computer Hardware
      • Computer Software
      • Data Analytics
      • Electronic Commerce
      • Electronic Components
      • Electronic Design Automation
      • Financial Technology
      • High Tech Security
      • Internet Technology
      • Nanotechnology
      • Networks
      • Peripherals
      • Semiconductors
      • Business Technology Overview

      • View All Business Technology

      • Entertain­ment & Media

      • All Entertain­ment & Media
      • Advertising
      • Art
      • Books
      • Entertainment
      • Film and Motion Picture
      • Magazines
      • Music
      • Publishing & Information Services
      • Radio & Podcast
      • Television
      • Entertain­ment & Media Overview

      • View All Entertain­ment & Media

      • Financial Services & Investing

      • All Financial Services & Investing
      • Accounting News & Issues
      • Acquisitions, Mergers and Takeovers
      • Banking & Financial Services
      • Bankruptcy
      • Bond & Stock Ratings
      • Conference Call Announcements
      • Contracts
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Dividends
      • Earnings
      • Earnings Forecasts & Projections
      • Financing Agreements
      • Insurance
      • Investments Opinions
      • Joint Ventures
      • Mutual Funds
      • Private Placement
      • Real Estate
      • Restructuring & Recapitalization
      • Sales Reports
      • Shareholder Activism
      • Shareholder Meetings
      • Stock Offering
      • Stock Split
      • Venture Capital
      • Financial Services & Investing Overview

      • View All Financial Services & Investing

      • General Business

      • All General Business
      • Awards
      • Commercial Real Estate
      • Corporate Expansion
      • Earnings
      • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
      • Human Resource & Workforce Management
      • Licensing
      • New Products & Services
      • Obituaries
      • Outsourcing Businesses
      • Personnel Announcements
      • Real Estate Transactions
      • Residential Real Estate
      • Small Business Services
      • Socially Responsible Investing
      • Surveys, Polls and Research
      • Trade Show News
      • General Business Overview

      • View All General Business

  • Science & Tech
      • Consumer Technology

      • All Consumer Technology
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Blockchain
      • Cloud Computing/Internet of Things
      • Computer Electronics
      • Computer Hardware
      • Computer Software
      • Consumer Electronics
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Data Analytics
      • Electronic Commerce
      • Electronic Gaming
      • Financial Technology
      • Mobile Entertainment
      • Multimedia & Internet
      • Peripherals
      • Social Media
      • STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)
      • Supply Chain/Logistics
      • Wireless Communications
      • Consumer Technology Overview

      • View All Consumer Technology

      • Energy & Natural Resources

      • All Energy
      • Alternative Energies
      • Chemical
      • Electrical Utilities
      • Gas
      • General Manufacturing
      • Mining
      • Mining & Metals
      • Oil & Energy
      • Oil and Gas Discoveries
      • Utilities
      • Water Utilities
      • Energy & Natural Resources Overview

      • View All Energy & Natural Resources

      • Environ­ment

      • All Environ­ment
      • Conservation & Recycling
      • Environmental Issues
      • Environmental Policy
      • Environmental Products & Services
      • Green Technology
      • Natural Disasters
      • Environ­ment Overview

      • View All Environ­ment

      • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing

      • All Heavy Industry & Manufacturing
      • Aerospace & Defense
      • Agriculture
      • Chemical
      • Construction & Building
      • General Manufacturing
      • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning)
      • Machinery
      • Machine Tools, Metalworking and Metallurgy
      • Mining
      • Mining & Metals
      • Paper, Forest Products & Containers
      • Precious Metals
      • Textiles
      • Tobacco
      • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing Overview

      • View All Heavy Industry & Manufacturing

      • Telecomm­unications

      • All Telecomm­unications
      • Carriers and Services
      • Mobile Entertainment
      • Networks
      • Peripherals
      • Telecommunications Equipment
      • Telecommunications Industry
      • VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
      • Wireless Communications
      • Telecomm­unications Overview

      • View All Telecomm­unications

  • Lifestyle & Health
      • Consumer Products & Retail

      • All Consumer Products & Retail
      • Animals & Pets
      • Beers, Wines and Spirits
      • Beverages
      • Bridal Services
      • Cannabis
      • Cosmetics and Personal Care
      • Fashion
      • Food & Beverages
      • Furniture and Furnishings
      • Home Improvement
      • Household, Consumer & Cosmetics
      • Household Products
      • Jewelry
      • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
      • Office Products
      • Organic Food
      • Product Recalls
      • Restaurants
      • Retail
      • Supermarkets
      • Toys
      • Consumer Products & Retail Overview

      • View All Consumer Products & Retail

      • Entertain­ment & Media

      • All Entertain­ment & Media
      • Advertising
      • Art
      • Books
      • Entertainment
      • Film and Motion Picture
      • Magazines
      • Music
      • Publishing & Information Services
      • Radio & Podcast
      • Television
      • Entertain­ment & Media Overview

      • View All Entertain­ment & Media

      • Health

      • All Health
      • Biometrics
      • Biotechnology
      • Clinical Trials & Medical Discoveries
      • Dentistry
      • FDA Approval
      • Fitness/Wellness
      • Health Care & Hospitals
      • Health Insurance
      • Infection Control
      • International Medical Approval
      • Medical Equipment
      • Medical Pharmaceuticals
      • Mental Health
      • Pharmaceuticals
      • Supplementary Medicine
      • Health Overview

      • View All Health

      • Sports

      • All Sports
      • General Sports
      • Outdoors, Camping & Hiking
      • Sporting Events
      • Sports Equipment & Accessories
      • Sports Overview

      • View All Sports

      • Travel

      • All Travel
      • Amusement Parks and Tourist Attractions
      • Gambling & Casinos
      • Hotels and Resorts
      • Leisure & Tourism
      • Outdoors, Camping & Hiking
      • Passenger Aviation
      • Travel Industry
      • Travel Overview

      • View All Travel

  • Policy & Public Interest
      • Policy & Public Interest

      • All Policy & Public Interest
      • Advocacy Group Opinion
      • Animal Welfare
      • Canadian Federal Government
      • Canadian Municipal Government
      • Canadian Provincial Government
      • Corporate Social Responsibility
      • Domestic Policy
      • Economic News, Trends, Analysis
      • Education
      • Environmental
      • European Government
      • FDA Approval
      • Federal and State Legislation
      • Federal Executive Branch & Agency
      • Foreign Policy & International Affairs
      • Homeland Security
      • Labor & Union
      • Legal Issues
      • Natural Disasters
      • Not For Profit
      • Patent Law
      • Public Safety
      • Trade Policy
      • Policy & Public Interest Overview

      • View All Policy & Public Interest

  • People & Culture
      • People & Culture

      • All People & Culture
      • Aboriginal, First Nations & Native American
      • African American
      • Asian American
      • Children
      • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
      • Hispanic
      • Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual
      • Men's Interest
      • People with Disabilities
      • Religion
      • Senior Citizens
      • Veterans
      • Women
      • People & Culture Overview

      • View All People & Culture

  • Advanced Search
  • Overview
  • Multichannel Amplification
  • Monitoring
  • Distribution
  • Multimedia
  • Guaranteed Paid Placement
  • AI Tools
  • IR
  • Become a Client
  • Request a Demo
  • Editorial Bureaus
  • Partnerships
  • General Enquiries
  • Media
  • Worldwide Offices
  • Hamburger menu
  • Cision Canada
  • Send a Release
  • FR
    • Phone

    • 877-269-7890 from 8 AM - 10 PM ET

    • ALL CONTACT INFO
    • Contact Cision

      877-269-7890
      from 8 AM - 10 PM ET

  • Send a Release
  • Sign Up
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • Webcasts
  • GDPR
  • News in Focus
    • Browse All News
    • Multimedia Gallery
    • Trending Topics
  • Business
    • Auto & Transportation
    • Business Technology
    • Entertain­ment & Media
    • Financial Services & Investing
    • General Business
  • Science & Tech
    • Consumer Technology
    • Energy & Natural Resources
    • Environ­ment
    • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing
    • Telecomm­unications
  • Lifestyle & Health
    • Consumer Products & Retail
    • Entertain­ment & Media
    • Health
    • Sports
    • Travel
  • Policy & Public Interest
    • Policy & Public Interest
  • People & Culture
    • People & Culture
  • Send a Release
  • Sign Up
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • Webcasts
  • GDPR
  • Overview
  • Multichannel Amplification
  • Monitoring
  • Distribution
  • Multimedia
  • Guaranteed Paid Placement
  • AI Tools
  • IR
  • Send a Release
  • Sign Up
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • Webcasts
  • GDPR
  • Become a Client
  • Request a Demo
  • Editorial Bureaus
  • Partnerships
  • General Enquiries
  • Media
  • Worldwide Offices
  • Send a Release
  • Sign Up
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • Webcasts
  • GDPR

"Quebecers, our way of being Canadian" - The first-ever Policy on Québec Affirmation and Canadian relations Français


News provided by

Cabinet du premier ministre

Jun 01, 2017, 13:44 ET

Share this article

Share toX

Share this article

Share toX

Québec, June 1, 2017. The Premier of Québec, Philippe Couillard, has unveiled the first-ever Policy on Québec Affirmation and Canadian relations entitled "Quebecers, our way of being Canadian". (CNW Group/Cabinet du premier ministre)
Québec, June 1, 2017. The Premier of Québec, Philippe Couillard, has unveiled the first-ever Policy on Québec Affirmation and Canadian relations entitled "Quebecers, our way of being Canadian". (CNW Group/Cabinet du premier ministre)

QUÉBEC CITY, June 1, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The objective of the first-ever Policy on Québec Affirmation and Canadian relations is to affirm Québec's nationhood and its complete expression on the Canadian scene.

The Policy reflects the continuity of Québec's political and constitutional history, based on its trajectory as a nation over more than 400 years.

To ensure that Québec is better known and better understood, the Policy begins with a historical review which, while not exhaustive, highlights the reality of Québec's nationhood and recognition for this reality in the constitutional framework of 1867 (and even before the federative compact) while also reviewing Québec's relations with the rest of Canada. This forms the basis for a contemporary vision of Québec's place in the Canadian whole.

The Policy proposes a model of federalism that, in addition to individual diversity, recognizes collective diversity and a plurality of ways of belonging as a way to strengthen a shared sense of belonging.

The Premier of Québec and the Minister responsible for Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie, as they unveiled the Policy today, announced their intention of breaking down the taboo on discussions about Canadian coexistence. They invite all citizens, federative partners, Aboriginal peoples as well as Francophone and Acadian communities to take part in a new dialogue, a renewal of their acquaintance, a re-foundation.

At the heart of the Policy, the Affirmation Statement presents Québec's contribution to this dialogue, highlighting the fundamental elements of Québec's national identity.

Québec is a nation—a democratic, predominantly French-speaking nation keen to respond to the aspirations of the First Nations and Inuits, enhanced by the past and present contributions of a dynamic English-speaking community, and enriched by diversity from immigration that nourishes its shared historical narrative through interculturalism.

The Affirmation Statement lists the principles that underlie Québec's participation in Canada, and that must guide the Canadian relations developed and sustained by Québec.

Last, the Policy sets out Québec's approach to governmental affirmation and citizen cooperation. The actions resulting from the Policy will strengthen Québec's presence on the Canadian stage and promote a dialogue leading to a shared understanding of the original meaning of Canada's foundation and destiny.

Quotes:

"Quebecers took part in the building of Canada. We have helped shape the country through our values, our resilience, our accents and our worldview. This federation, although still perfectible, has made possible a cohabitation based on solidarity, cooperation and respect for diversity. Canada is part of our inheritance."

"Our heritage, distinctiveness within the Americas and diversity are a source of pride. We do not need to choose between an allegiance to Québec and a sense of belonging to Canada, since they both define who we are. To affirm one identity or belonging, there is no need to erase, diminish or reject another—in fact, it must be upheld with confidence, openness and optimism."

"Building stronger bridges with our partners, especially the Aboriginal peoples, affirming our national character and its complete expression on the Canadian scene, stating our vision of a 21st century Canada that recognizes both individual and collective identities—these are the objectives of this Policy on Québec Affirmation and Canadian Relations. "

Philippe Couillard, Premier of Québec

"Québec is proposing that the rest of Canada recognize its nationhood for what it is and what we want it to be, which is an original and positive contribution to the Canadian federation. However, the objective is clear: we must seek to improve our understanding and acknowledgement of each other. And this must be reciprocal. Affirming who we are, and what is fundamental for us, will make it easier to explain our choices, priorities, visions and plans."  

"I am a Quebecer, and proud of it. I am a Quebecer, and this is my way of being Canadian. This expression contains, in a nutshell, the meaning and essence of Québec's participation in the Canadian Federation since its inception."  

"Québec, and Canada, are aware that their diversity gives them a substantial advantage. However, beyond the question of individual diversity, Canada must be able to name the national and collective identities that have always been part of its makeup."

"Promoting a form of federalism that is open to a plurality of ways of belonging increases, rather than dilutes, our strengths. It makes diversity, in all its forms, an advantage. It offers a way to accept the reality of Québec, to renew our relationship with the Aboriginal peoples, and to offer Canada to the world as a model of respectful collaboration."

Jean-Marc Fournier, Minister responsible for Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie

Highlights:

Affirmation Statement (see full statement)

  • Affirm all dimensions of Québec's identity:
    • A nation made up of a French-speaking majority and an English-speaking community
    • Recognition for eleven Aboriginal nations throughout Québec
    • Openness to diversity within the framework of interculturalism
    • Québec's specific characteristics
  • Attest to a reciprocal willingness to cooperate:
    • Establish reciprocal recognition and its consequences
    • Exercise constructive leadership within Canada
    • Work collaboratively to promote French throughout Canada
    • Support Aboriginal nations to ensure that their place is recognized
  • Emphasize the principles of federalism:
    • Equality between the two orders of government and respect for the division of powers
    • Fiscal autonomy, a fair share of federal government expenditure and, where appropriate, unconditional financial compensation
    • Asymmetry favoured where necessary
    • Bilateral and multilateral cooperation, direct dialogue with civil society
    • Consideration for Québec's nationhood in the shaping of shared institutions such as the Senate and Supreme Court
    • Autonomy in the conduct of Québec's international relations and full participation in the negotiation of international treaties when its interests are at stake
    • Promotion of plurinational federalism, a form of federalism open to collective and national diversity

The affirmation process

A major structural change:

  • Extend the mandate of the Secrétariat aux affaires intergouvernementales canadiennes, which will become the Secrétariat du Québec aux relations canadiennes
  • Create a Canadian relations unit in each government department

Proactive diplomacy and dialogue with civil society:

  • Increase the number of interprovincial alliances
  • Increase the number of French-speaking spaces
  • Increase Québec government's outreach to Canadian civil society
  • Foster closer connections between citizens

Improved means of action:

The Policy will be followed by an action plan for its operational implementation, which will aim, among other things, to :

  • Intensify cooperative links and actions to strengthen the Canadian Francophonie
  • Continue to broaden the mandate of the Offices jeunesse internationaux du Québec, which will become a single point of access for young people wishing to complete internships in Canada or around the world
  • Promote interactions amongst the university, business, environmental and social sectors
  • Promote the excellence of Québec's research institutions throughout Canada and support the dissemination of research findings, in particular through translation
  • Use the possibilities offered by the Research Support Program on Intergovernmental Affairs and Québec Identity to ensure that Québec's vision is more visible and better explained in relevant Canadian forums
  • Establish a forum for dialogue with political and civil society participants

The Government also intends to present an official policy on interculturalism, since as a form of integration that favours living together, it ought to be formally recognized.

To learn more about the Policy on Québec Affirmation and Canadian Relations: http://www.saic.gouv.qc.ca/relations-canadiennes/politique-affirmation/index-en.asp

SOURCE Cabinet du premier ministre

Harold Fortin, Spokesperson and Director of communications for the Premier, Office of the Québec Premier, (418) 643-5321; Karla Duval, Press Secretary, Office of the minister responsible for Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie, (418) 646-5950

Related Links

www.premier-ministre.gouv.qc.ca

Modal title

Organization Profile

Cabinet du premier ministre

    Also from this source

  • The Government of Québec and the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke Sign a Statement of Understanding and Mutual Respect

Related Organization(s)

Cabinet du ministre responsable des Relations canadiennes et de la Francophonie canadienne

Contact Cision

  • 866-245-2317
    from 8 AM - 10 PM ET
  • Become a Client
  • Request a Demo
  • Editorial Bureaus
  • Partnerships
  • General Enquiries
  • Media

Products

  • Cision Communications Cloud®
  • Media Monitoring
  • Content Distribution
  • Multimedia Distribution
  • Measurement & Analytics
  • Investor Relations

About

  • About Cision Canada
  • About Cision
  • Media Partners
  • Careers
  • Accessibility Statement
  • APAC
  • APAC - Simplified Chinese
  • APAC - Traditional Chinese
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Czech
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Mexico
  • Middle East
  • Middle East - Arabic
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Russia
  • Slovakia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • United States
  • Vietnam

My Services

  • All News Releases
  • Online Member Centre
  • Next Gen Communications Cloud
  • Cision Communications Cloud®
  • my CNW

Do not sell or share my personal information:

  • Submit via [email protected] 
  • Call Privacy toll-free: 877-297-8921

Contact Cision

Products

About

My Services
  • All News Releases
  • Online Member Centre
  • Next Gen Communications Cloud
  • Cision Communications Cloud
  • my CNW
877-269-7890
from 8 AM - 10 PM ET
  • Terms of Use
  • Information Security Policy
  • Site Map
  • Cookie Settings
  • Accessibility Statement
Copyright © 2025 CNW Group Ltd. All Rights Reserved. A Cision company.