Quebec, Are You Feeling Alright?

It's safe to say that 2011 has been the toughest year yet for Quebec separatism. Sure they didn't lose a referendum, but their political strength in the House of Commons and the National Assembly of Quebec has been severely cut down.

First there was that historic federal election on May 2nd which brought the Bloc down to four seats from 48. With that result, they lost official party status and therefore the privilege to participate in Question Period. Since then, they have dropped even further (at one point to 3%) in opinion polling. A leadership election is unscheduled and frankly the party is in disarray.

Meanwhile, provincially, the Parti Quebecois, which is supposed to be the "government-in-waiting" (read: official opposition) lost five members to resignations after a controversal whipped vote. Now, the party nearly everyone (including myself) suspected would win in the next election, looks like it might be doomed to the left side of the chamber for a few more years. Jean Charest is one happy man.

While the movement is hitting some severe roadblocks, don't think Quebec separatism is finished. The Bloc does still hold a lot of support among Quebeckers, and while the PQ isn't looking so hot these days the Quebec solidaire, a sepearatist political party, is experiencing their highest levels of support ever. Even the now independent MNAs who left the PQ are expected to form a new separatist political party this fall. The movement isn't out, it's just down. Although a good old vote split would keep the separatist out of power for probably many years to come. Happy times!