Over the last 30 years, we have had two referendums on Quebec sovereignty or something close to it. This all started as a personal feud between Quebec Premier, Rene Levesque and Prime Minister, Prierre Trudeau. There were constitutional debates in the late 1970s in which the provinces and the Federal debated repatriating "The British North America Act" from Britain. This was done in 1982 and it became "The Canadian Constitution".

I watched some of the debates in 70s on TV. It was apparent that Levesque was no match for Trudeau on the subject of provincial/federal relationships. Trudeau stressed that Canada was one of the most decentralized countries in the world. Quebec had gained power through cabinet seats in his government. "Offical Bilingualism" stretched from coast to coast. Transfer payments had increased for Quebec. Quebec had its own pension plan. Quebec had its own immigration policy.

Levesque had a different vision of Quebec and Canada. He presented this vision (Sovereignty-Association) to Quebecers in 1980 referendum. It was rejected.

In the 1980s, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney attempted to forge a deal with Quebec called "The Meech Lake Accord". It was defeated in the Manitoba Legislature by native provincial rep, Elijah Harper, because Native Canadians were not recognized in the accord. I still see him with an eagle feather in his hand saying "no". It was a proud moment for aboriginals and Canada. 

Lucien Bouchard, a former cabinet minister in the Conservative Government at that time helped produce another separation referendum for Quebec in 1995.

Bouchard used the "politics of humilation" to show how Quebec was isolated on constitutional talks. He was gaining ground for a "yes" vote. However, a week before the referendum, a large group of Canadians went to Montreal to show their love for Quebecers. It was a very emotional moment. The theme was"Our Country Includes Quebec". The "No Side" won by the narrowest of margins thanks in  large part to "The Montreal Love-In".

Because the referendum questions were unclear as to exactly want they meant. "What's the different between Sovereignty-Association and outright separation?" The "Clarity Act" was passed by parliament in 2000.

In April of this year The Government of Quebec, "The Parti Quebecois" is seeking a majority so it can hold a third referendum on Sovereignity Association. Haven't we been on this merry-go-round before? The divorce from Canada with bedroom privileges?

The techicolour dream is being promoted now with Canada agreeing to everything Quebec wants.

However, the stark reality of Quebec debt provincial and shared federal  lurks in the background.

In Canada, you can't take national unity for granted. We are a multicultural society that's includes more than English and French speaking peoples.

We are willing to fight for what we believe in.