There are a thousand clichés about this Quebec holiday. There’s the famous drinking party on the Plains of Abraham that drew young people from all over Quebec until just a few years ago… There’s the traditional bonfire at a friend’s house, with a guitar player who, belting it out at the top of his lungs, gives a slightly over-the-top impersonation of our good old Paul Piché, pouring all his emotion into “L’escalier,” even though it’s not entirely clear if he can actually make it down the stairs on his own two feet…
There’s the historian telling his old stories without wondering if anyone cares, and the really intense guy who’s painted his face blue and is spreading patriotic slogans from under his Quebec cape/flag.
I’d like to tell you, however, that all of this is just for show—that there are real reasons to celebrate, and here they are!
- You live in a province where life is good; life here is pleasant and safe, and people from all over the world choose to settle here for that very reason.
- Here, we believe in equality. Whether you’re a man or a woman, straight, gay, bi, pan, or trans, our society will recognize your worth. Whether you’re from here or elsewhere, if you have the desire to integrate and find your place, anything is possible!
- Here, we believe that everyone deserves a chance; education, healthcare, and social programs are in place for everyone.
- Here, we believe in family: child benefits, parental leave, RESPs with government contributions, and low-cost daycare—everything is in place to support young parents.
- Here, green spaces abound; it’s easy to go for a walk in the woods or hit the slopes, take a stroll through an urban park, or go apple picking with the family when fall rolls around.
- Here, we have rights—and responsibilities, too. If we want to preserve this beautiful Québec, we’ll have to truly appreciate how lucky we are to have it!
I hope, young Quebecer, that my observations will help you grow into a great Quebecer—one who is respectful and proud of this unique province within such a beautiful country, to which we bring a distinctive touch. Because even though things aren’t perfect here, we’re happy here—and true to our beliefs: a touch of blue to complement the red, French to enrich our linguistic diversity, and a beauty that makes us greater!