FORM QC-0: Province of Quebec Position Statement

GOUVERNEMENT DU QUÉBEC
GOVERNMENT OF QUEBEC

MINISTÈRE DES RELATIONS CANADIENNES ET DE LA FRANCOPHONIE

OFFICIAL POSITION STATEMENT

Re: The Matter of Saskatchewan's Proposed Adoption of the States of North Dakota and South Dakota

FILE: QC-INTER-2024-SK-USA-0047
DATE: [whenever Quebec gets around to it]
PRIORITY: Low (does not concern Quebec)

POSITION

The Province of Quebec has been made aware, through various channels, that the Province of Saskatchewan intends to adopt two American states, specifically the territories known as "North Dakota" and "South Dakota."

Quebec's official position is as follows:

"Bof."

ELABORATION

While Quebec acknowledges the existence of this proposal, we must note several points:

1. This does not affect Quebec. The Dakotas are very far from Quebec. They are in the prairies. Quebec is not in the prairies. We have mountains and the St. Lawrence. This is a prairie matter.
2. Neither Dakota speaks French. Quebec notes with disappointment, but without surprise, that neither North Dakota nor South Dakota has any significant French-speaking population. This is unfortunate but not Quebec's problem to solve.
3. Saskatchewan did not consult Quebec. We were not consulted. We would not have responded if we were consulted, but we note that we were not consulted. This is typical.
4. Constitutional implications are for others to worry about. If this adoption requires constitutional amendment, Quebec will participate in those discussions as required by law. Quebec will have demands. Quebec always has demands. These demands will be unrelated to the Dakotas specifically but will be raised nonetheless. This is how the process works.
5. Quebec has its own concerns. While Saskatchewan focuses on adopting American states, Quebec is focused on:
   • Protecting the French language
   • Securing Quebec's distinct society status
   • Ensuring Quebec's share of federal transfers
   • Other matters that actually affect Quebec

CONDITIONS

Quebec neither supports nor opposes Saskatchewan's adoption proposal. However, should this matter proceed, Quebec will require:

1. Confirmation that Quebec's equalization payments will not be affected;
2. Assurance that Quebec's representation in Parliament remains proportional;
3. A commitment that the new territories will not claim to have "distinct society" status (there is only one distinct society);
4. Recognition that poutine originated in Quebec, regardless of what the Dakotas may claim in the future;
5. A small, symbolic acknowledgment that Quebec exists (optional, but appreciated).

COMMENTARY ON OTHER PROVINCES' ADOPTION ACTIVITIES

Quebec has observed that several provinces are apparently engaged in "adopting" American states:

• Alberta: Wishes to adopt Texas. Quebec finds this predictable and slightly amusing.
• British Columbia: Claims Oregon and Hawaii. Quebec notes that BC has always been... like that.
• Manitoba: Interested in Minnesota. Quebec has no opinion on this.
• Saskatchewan: The Dakotas. Fine. Sure. Why not.
• Yukon: Alaska. A territory adopting a state. Quebec will observe from a distance.

Quebec notes that no American state has requested to join Quebec. This is:

• Their loss;
• Expected, given the language requirements;
• Perhaps for the best.

STATEMENT ON FRENCH LANGUAGE IMPLICATIONS

Should the Dakotas join Canada through Saskatchewan, Quebec reminds all parties that:

1. Canada is officially bilingual (outside Quebec, where it is officially French);
2. The Dakotas will be expected to offer federal services in French;
3. Quebec volunteers to provide no assistance with this, as it is Saskatchewan's responsibility;
4. There are approximately 6,000 Franco-Dakotans (estimated, possibly optimistic). They deserve protection;
5. Mount Rushmore's signage should probably be bilingual, technically.

CONCLUSION

In summary, Quebec's position on Saskatchewan's adoption of North Dakota and South Dakota is one of magnificent indifference.

Saskatchewan may proceed. Quebec will watch. If the Dakotas become troublesome, that is Saskatchewan's concern. Quebec has enough to manage.

We wish Saskatchewan... well, we wish Saskatchewan nothing in particular. But we do not wish them harm. That is something.

Bonne chance, peut-être.

SIGNED:

___________________________________
Pour le Ministre des Relations canadiennes
Government of Quebec
"Je me souviens" (but not of this particular matter)

DATE: When we had time

This statement has been issued in French. An English translation was prepared reluctantly and may contain subtle expressions of Quebec's cultural distinctiveness. This is intentional.

Quebec reserves the right to modify this position if the situation changes in ways that affect Quebec (unlikely) or if it becomes politically advantageous to have an opinion (possible).