This province... is Catholic and French and shall remain Catholic and French. All the while asserting our friendship and our respect for the representatives of the other races and religions, all the while claiming our eagerness for giving them their fair share in every aspect [...] we solemnly declare that we shall never renounce our rights that are garanteed by treatees, by law and by the constitution [...] Let us cease our fratricidal struggles and let us unite!"

Question

- Honoré Mercier, Premier of Canada, June 24, 1889

What late-20th century issue could have been inspired by Mercier's words?
Responses

A War on TerrorismWar on Terrorism

B Quebec ReferendumQuebec Referendum

C The First Nations' "Indian Act"The First Nations' "Indian Act"

D British Columbia's Independence DayBritish

Answer 1

B Quebec Referendum

Honoré Mercier's emphasis on the rights of French Canadians in Quebec, as well as his call for unity and respect for different cultures, reflects sentiments that were pivotal in the late-20th century Quebec Referendums. These referendums centered around Quebec's desire for greater autonomy and, in particular, discussions about sovereignty versus remaining part of Canada. Mercier's assertion of cultural identity and rights resonates with the issues debated during those referendums.