“Diverse Voices on Quebec Identity”

When discussing politics in this region, the topic of Quebec identity, or l’identité Québécoise in French, is frequently brought up.

But what exactly does it signify? And who determines it? Leading up to the provincial election on Oct. 5, I engaged with a diverse group of Quebec residents to gather a range of viewpoints.

Below are snippets from those insightful and multifaceted discussions. I conversed with two individuals who emigrated from India and Pakistan to Quebec in the 1970s during René Lévesque’s era. I also met with young advocates of sovereignty with Indigenous and Maghrebi heritage.

Furthermore, I spoke with a woman who identifies more as a Montrealer than a Quebecer and two others who shared their experiences balancing their Quebecois pride while staunchly supporting English-language institutions.

Here are their perspectives.

WATCH | Educating in Tamil, preserving cultural heritage, and the essence of Quebec identity:

Protecting language shapes her identity as a trilingual Tamil Quebecer

August 24|

Duration 7:10

Supporting French? Understanding from a trilingual Tamil Quebecer

A 25-year-old Montreal native, Krishnavi Sivanesan, dedicates her weekends to teaching Tamil to younger individuals, some of whom converse in French during class.

Sivanesan acknowledges Quebec’s efforts to preserve the French language, given her family’s struggles as Tamils in war-torn Sri Lanka.

However, she believes that the prevalent discourse on non-Francophones and immigrants overlooks the valuable contributions of her community.

Fostering a more ‘inclusive,’ hospitable Quebec

What does Quebec identity mean to these women with South Asian roots?

July 15|

Duration 7:00

Dolores Chew and Shaheen Ashraf have called Quebec home for over five decades, retaining South Asian customs like enjoying a cup of chai.

While reminiscing about the Quebec of René Lévesque, one of them supported the ‘Yes’ vote