Montcalm Loss: Quebec Gain?

In the Ottawa Citizen, John Robson asks is it really a bad thing for the Quebecois that Montcalm lost at the Plains of Abraham?

So what's the problem? Are the Montcalmites sorry they missed their date with Robespierre and Madame Guillotine? Do they wish they had stood with Napoléon at Waterloo, and Napoléon III at Sedan? Quebec nationalists didn't exactly rush to the colours when France was threatened in 1914 or needed rescuing after 1940. What's wrong with British self-government, suppression of the slave trade and defeat of Hitler that you'd rather be part of, say, Vichy France?

Not bad, but I would take that much further. For example, I doubt France would be shifting over billions in transfer payments to them all these years. I liken a Paris controlled Quebec to Newfoundland with the British. The Newfies had to beg Britain to take over full control of them in 1934, after they tried quasi-independence. (As Wikipedia humorously notes: one of the few countries that has ever voluntarily given up direct self-rule.) Shrewd Brits managed to fob them off onto Canada in 1949. (To my Newfoundlander friends, I apologize, I'm just trying to make a point.)

Quebec has had a sweet deal with Canada. They can be independent if they want. All they need is 50% + 1 of votes.

UPDATE: Here are my posts: Why Isn't Quebec an Independent Country? And this one recently: Quebecers Interested in Sovereignty but not Separation

Newfoundland Can't Be Weaned Off Welfare

Newfoundland, for the first time ever has been declared a "have" province thanks to oil revenue. But they're still whining for transfer payments:

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams is calling on opposition parties to show Prime Minister Stephen Harper the door, following a federal budget he described as callous.

Williams said the fine print in changes to the federal equalization program, contained in the budget that Finance Minister Jim Flaherty delivered in Parliament Tuesday, have left him no choice but to rekindle his notorious battle with the governing Conservatives.

"It's a good indication of the punitive, vindictive, nasty side of this prime minister," Williams said. "The indication over the next three years is a pretty crippling effect."

Talk about entitlement. Since that province joined Confederation we've been shoveling them money hand over fist. So slow this down a little when they have a little of their own revenue, and they scream that we're taking away their money.

I throw my hands up in despair about this crazy country of ours.

Jack The Mustache Befriends Newfie Expropriator

Newfie tough guy Danny Williams can sit back and let Canada fight his NAFTA suit from AbitibiBowater, the company he expropriated assests from. His professionalism is shining through. (read)

David Paterson, Abitibi's president and chief executive officer, in a stinging letter to Williams last week, called Newfoundland and Labrador's move illegal and subject to retaliation.

In an interview Monday with CBC News, Williams said he's not worried.

"You know I'm a lawyer of over 30 years, so blowhard, five-page letters that get sent to everybody in the country mean nothing to me. I know the law," said Williams.

AbitibiBowater has said it is consulting with officials in Canada and in the U.S. over a possible challenge using the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Again, Williams said he is unfazed.

"We're acting within our rights here. If there's going to be a NAFTA challenge, so be it," he said.

"It appears that Abitibi are trying to adopt that similar type of jargon and to try and impress probably political leaders or people with political influence, but, you know, that doesn't work with me," he said.

"I've heard it all, and sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me."

The NDP's Jack Layton is listening. Socialists love sticking it to businesses and never liked the concept of private property.

"I think the premier has made a very bold move on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and I congratulated him for having the foresight to take such a step," Layton told reporters.

"Our NDP members of Parliament have been meeting with the communities to talk about whether or not we can somehow or another convince the government of Ontario to move down a similar path," said Layton, following a meeting with Williams.

"So I think he's opened up an important new approach to public policy and to the custodianship of a public asset, and a public trust."

"An important new approach to public policy." No Jack, that's a very old approach and is illegal. Goddamn, imagine this guy as a cabinet minister in a ruling majority. We were almost there folks. Votes and private property be damned.

Banana Republic North: Newfies Expropriate Company's Assets

I can't stand Newfoundland Premier Danny "Despite the Oil Profit Windfall, I Still Want Dole From the Rest of Canada" Williams. Now he's acting like a third world tough guy:

In an escalating war of words between Mr. Williams and the multinational company, Mr. Paterson describes Newfoundland and Labrador's seizure of its assets as “confiscatory and hostile actions” that could damage the province and Canada.

“The legislation is an entirely unfounded and unscrupulous attack by the province of Newfoundland and Labrador,” it says.

“The legislation, which is without precedent in Canada, and is reminiscent of decrees emanating from jurisdictions with less democratic traditions, shocks common sensibility.”

Rule of Law is taking a beating in Canada lately.