Chapter11 The Quebec Issue.docVIP

Chapter 11 The Quebec Issues Ⅰ.Background of Quebec 1. Population and Resources Quebec is the largest province in Canada with a population of about 6.5 million, accounting for 27% of the total population of Canada. It occupies(cover) most of East Canada with a land area of some 1.5 million square kilometers, which is 3 times the size of France and 7 times that of Great Britain. It contains a wealth of minerals, much water power and great forests. It faces both Europe and the heart of North America. In the south lies the St. Lawrence River valley and lowlands, where 90% of the population is concentrated. This is the most fertile and developed region. Quebec also neighbors on 4 American states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York. 2. Provincial capital Quebec is one of Canadas two most important provinces. The city of Montreal on the St. Lawrence River in southern Quebec is the chief port and the second largest city in Canada. It is also a busy center of Canadian commerce and the largest overseas grain-shipping city in the world. The region is the most highly developed part of Canada. This part of the country has been known as the heartland of Canada. 3.“Quiet Revolution” However, for decades a “Quiet Revolution” has been going on in this province. It has been trying to seek either a special status within Canada or outright independence. Sometimes the demand was so strong that a referendum had to be held to decide its future status. 4. A Special province The province of Quebec differs from other provinces of Canada, because it has a strong French culture. Of its 6.5 million population five million are French Canadians accounting for 81.9% of the total population of the province. It is the only predominantly French-speaking territory in North America and It is one of the largest French-speaking communities outside France. French-speaking Quebeckers consider themselves one of Canadas founding people. Their language, traditions, culture and institutions set