The concept of Quebec identity, often referred to as l’identité Québécoise in French, is a recurring theme in political discussions within the province. With the upcoming October 5 provincial election, a diverse group of Quebecers shared their varied perspectives on this topic.
In my conversations, I encountered individuals with unique backgrounds and viewpoints. Two women who immigrated from India and Pakistan to Quebec in the 1970s under René Lévesque’s governance shared their experiences. Additionally, I spoke with young advocates of Quebec sovereignty, one with Indigenous roots and the other with Maghrebi heritage.
Moreover, I engaged with a Montrealer who identifies more closely with Montreal than Quebec, and two individuals who navigate their Quebec pride while also supporting English-language institutions.
Krishnavi Sivanesan, a 25-year-old Montreal native, devotes her weekends to teaching Tamil to younger generations, acknowledging the importance of preserving her language and culture in Quebec. She empathizes with Quebec’s efforts to protect the French language but feels that the contributions of her community are often overlooked in political discourse.
Furthermore, Dolores Chew and Shaheen Ashraf, who have called Quebec home for over 50 years, reminisced about their experiences in Quebec during René Lévesque’s era and shared how their sense of belonging evolved over time.
Nabil Ben Ali Ouriaghli and Benjamin Gingras, members of the Oui Quebec movement advocating for Quebec sovereignty, emphasized the need for inclusivity in an independent Quebec while acknowledging the challenges in promoting their vision.
Shereen Joseph, a Malaysian Montrealer, found a sense of belonging in Montreal that she did not experience in Western Canada, highlighting her unique identity as a Montrealer. Additionally, English school board commissioners Susan Perera and Allison Saunders discussed the significance of English-language institutions in fostering community and bilingualism in Quebec, despite occasional challenges in defining their Quebec identity.
These conversations shed light on the diverse perspectives and experiences that contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding Quebec identity and belonging.