Quebec should pursue independence from Canada

Hi,First off, thank you for taking the time to enter into debate with me.I wish to first restate that my position is that Quebec should not seek independence. My reasons for stating this are that the people of Quebec will face economic strain, lose potential political influence, face the temptation to restrict minority rights, and lose out on cultural exchange.You have conceded that my premises are correct but have raised some interesting counter-points.First, I want to suggest the analogy with Greece is excellent but not in the way you think. You suggest that like Greece depending on the wealthier parts of the EU, Quebec dependence on the wealthier western provinces are leading their political leaders to adopt irresponsible public policy. Perhaps, you seem to be saying, independence would lead to increased responsibility on the part of the Quebecois elite.Let me respond with two points to your analysis.Quebec is not Greece but flirts with becoming Greece by separatingFirst, there are key differences between the EU and Canada. For example, the EU is much less integrated than Canada, as provinces are all much more tightly bound to the federal government than EU states are with theirs. Canada is a single state with constituent provinces whereas the EU is a economically integrated group of independent states. Second, much of what happened to Greece stemmed from a debt loaded economy mixed with using a currency that was not under their direct control. The inability to control their own currency unilaterally prevented Greece from implementing certain monetary policies such as devaluation which could have been helpful (1). In fact, the independence movement in Quebec actually seems to want to move to an arrangement that is much more like the EU. This would result in an independent Quebec becoming more like Greece. Pauline Marois, the last major separatist leader, argued that Quebec when independent should retain Canadian currency and adopt a loose economic association with Canada(2). This would mean that, Quebec like Greece, we would be an independent state with their own fiscal policy, but whose monetary policy was set by a central bank far from home. Quebec would leave major monetary policies in the hands of a foreign country and be unable to use these policies without begging the rest of Canada to go along.In sum, Quebec currently participates in a unified political and economic unity, Canada, and as such, their fiscal policy is supported by the federal government which mitigates large disparities in wealth between provinces. If Quebec separated, it would be a debt-loaded, high deficit economy, whose currency would seemingly be under the control of a foreign power. At least, Greece has some representation within the EU. Quebec would likely have zero influence on the Bank of Canada and on the Canadian dollar.Beyond EconomicsThus far, you have only addressed the economics of separation. You have not answered the other three reasons against independence. In fact, you concede that Quebecois society does have a tendency towards coercion of its minorities.I will restate that independence will produce a Quebec with lower global political influence, the risk of civil liberties being curtailed, and a more insular society with less cultural creativity and dynamism.ConclusionIn that you have conceded to my arguments in the short run, we seemingly both agree that Quebec independence will worsen the welfare of the Quebecois in the first years of independence. In the long run, I hold the disadvantages would still be present. I have not seen in your response compelling reasons to justify the large risks of separation considering the relative prosperity and freedoms enjoyed by the Quebecois nation as a member of the Canadian confederation.I await your reply.(1) http://www.economicshelp.org...(2) http://www.theglobeandmail.com...