In Quebec, federalists, in regards to the future of the Quebec people, defend the concept of Quebec remaining within Canada, as opposed to Quebec sovereigntism, proponent of Quebec independence (most often, but not for all followers, along with an economic union with Canada similar to the European Union).

Ideological branches

While the usual denomination for all followers is simply federalist, two main branches can be sketched out.

Federalist nationalism

Federalist nationalists defend the concept of Quebec remaining within Canada, while pursuing greater autonomy and national recognition for Quebec within the Canadian federation. The Union Nationale under Maurice Duplessis ('30s to '50s) was nationalist without explicitly calling for independence, prior to the arrival of Daniel Johnson Sr. as leader. The Parti libéral du Québec was a major party of federalist nationalism throughout the Lesage and Bourassa eras ('60s to '90s). However, since the failiures of the Meech Lake and Charlottetown accords, and the 1995 Quebec referendum on independence, the party has no defining plan for official national recognition. Notable followers of this ideology are Robert Bourassa, Jean Lesage and Brian Mulroney.

Trudeau Federalism

"Trudeau Federalists" defend Quebec remaining within Canada and keeping the status quo regarding constitutional recognition. They also defend the Canadian federal government assuming the major role in the democracy, with occasional encroachment on Quebec and provincial powers. They do not recognize the national status of Quebec, formally or informally. The traditional vehicle for Trudeau Federalism is the federal Liberal Party of Canada.

Notable Trudeau Federalists are Pierre Elliott Trudeau, from whom the term is inspired, Jean Chrétien and Stéphane Dion. A noted medium for the ideology was the political magazine Cité Libre.

See also

• Politics of Quebec
• History of Quebec
• Quebec nationalism