Las amenazas de Trump a la soberanía de Canadá aplacan el independentismo de Quebec | Internacional | EL PAÍS

Key Developments

Donald Trump's threats to Canada's economy, including the potential for making Canada the 51st US state and imposing tariffs, have inadvertently strengthened Canadian national unity, particularly in Quebec, a region with a history of separatist movements.

Impact on Quebec's Independence Movement

The surge in Canadian patriotism in Quebec, fueled by Trump's actions, has marginalized the Bloc Quebecois, a federalist party advocating for Quebec's independence. The party's support has dropped significantly, even threatening a major defeat in the upcoming elections.

• Public opinion surveys show a substantial increase in Quebeckers identifying as proudly Canadian.
• The Bloc Quebecois's political strategy of collaborating with the Liberal party leader, Mark Carney, has been affected by controversies, leading to potential vote losses.
• The economic implications of independence are now less clear, especially concerning trade with the US, a critical factor in previous independence referendums.

Provincial Divisions and Economic Concerns

While Quebec's separatist sentiment has weakened, economic discontent simmers in western Canada (Alberta and Saskatchewan), stemming from perceived federal government bias towards Quebec and Ontario, and policies affecting natural resource industries like oil. This discontent could lead to unexpected political shifts, potentially even advocating for Alberta's annexation to the US.

Conclusion

Trump's actions have created a complex political landscape. While Quebec's independence movement has faltered, western Canada's economic grievances could emerge as a significant factor in the upcoming federal elections, adding uncertainty to the future political dynamics of Canada.