FORM QC-0-BC: Province of Quebec Position Statement on British Columbia Pacific Applications

GOUVERNEMENT DU QUÉBEC
GOVERNMENT OF QUEBEC

MINISTÈRE DES RELATIONS CANADIENNES ET DE LA FRANCOPHONIE

OFFICIAL POSITION STATEMENT

Re: British Columbia's Proposed Adoption of Oregon and Hawaii

FILE: QC-INTER-2026-BC-PACIFIC-001
DATE: [Whenever Quebec decided to respond]
PRIORITY: Low to Moderate (affects Quebec marginally)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Province of Quebec has reviewed British Columbia's applications to adopt Oregon and Hawaii.

Quebec's initial reaction: "Vraiment?" (Really?)

Quebec's considered position: See below.

OBSERVATIONS

1. On Oregon: Quebec has no strong opinion on Oregon. Oregon is far away, in the wrong direction. Oregon does not speak French. This is consistent with most provinces west of Quebec. If BC wants Oregon, fine. C'est pas nos affaires.
2. On Hawaii: Quebec finds this... interesting. BC is reaching for Hawaii, which is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, which is very far from BC. Quebec wonders if BC is having some kind of midlife crisis. Quebec does not judge. Quebec simply observes.
3. On BC's ambition: BC has always believed it is special. "The Best Place on Earth," they say. Quebec has its own opinions about the best place on Earth, but that is not the point. The point is that BC is now trying to adopt TWO states, one of which is closer to Asia than to Canada. This is very BC.
4. On the French language implications: Neither Oregon nor Hawaii has significant French-speaking populations. Quebec notes this without surprise. BC already does not prioritize French. More English-speaking territories will not change this. Quebec is accustomed to this pattern.

CONCERNS

Quebec has several concerns, which it will raise regardless of whether they are strictly relevant:

1. Representation: If Oregon and Hawaii join Canada through BC, Parliament will need to accommodate new representatives. Quebec insists that its proportion of representation not decrease. Quebec always insists on this. This is non-negotiable.
2. Equalization: Oregon and Hawaii are both wealthy states. If they join Canada, equalization calculations will change. Quebec will require detailed analysis of how this affects Quebec. (It probably won't, but Quebec requires the analysis anyway.)
3. Precedent: If BC can adopt states in the Pacific Ocean, Quebec would like to know if Quebec could adopt territory in the Atlantic. Or the Caribbean. Specifically, Quebec is interested in Saint-Barthélemy, which is French, and warm, and would give Quebec a beach. This is a theoretical question only. For now.
4. Cultural Implications: Hawaii has a distinct culture. Oregon has a distinct culture (we are told). Quebec supports the preservation of distinct cultures. Quebec knows about distinct cultures. Quebec is a distinct culture. Quebec hopes BC will respect these new distinct cultures. BC does not have a good track record with Indigenous distinct cultures, but perhaps American states will be different.

COMMENTARY

Quebec observes that many provinces are now attempting to adopt American states:

• Saskatchewan: The Dakotas (twins, staying together, very wholesome)
• Manitoba: Minnesota (logical, geographic, makes sense)
• Alberta: Texas (of course)
• Yukon: Alaska (ambitious for a territory)
• British Columbia: Oregon AND Hawaii (ambitious for anyone)

Quebec notes that no province has offered to adopt any state with significant French-speaking populations. Louisiana, for instance, has Cajun culture. Maine has Franco-Americans. Vermont has some. Did anyone offer? No. This is noted. This is typical.

Quebec is not bitter. Quebec is simply observant. Quebec observes patterns. This is a pattern.

CONDITIONS

Quebec will not oppose BC's applications provided:

1. Quebec's representation is protected;
2. Quebec's equalization is protected;
3. Quebec's distinct society status remains singular (Hawaii may not claim to be a distinct society within Canada; there is only one);
4. BC acknowledges that Quebec's French language and culture are foundational to Canadian identity;
5. BC sends someone to Quebec who can explain why Hawaii and not, say, Louisiana;
6. BC continues to pretend to care about French services (we know BC doesn't, but the pretense is appreciated).

CONCLUSION

Quebec's position on BC's adoption of Oregon and Hawaii is one of bemused tolerance.

BC may proceed. Quebec will watch. If the Pacific becomes Canadian, Quebec will still be here, on the other coast, being distinct, being foundational, being Quebec.

This is how it has always been. This is how it will continue to be.

Bonne chance, Colombie-Britannique. Vous allez en avoir besoin.
(Good luck, British Columbia. You're going to need it.)

SIGNED:

___________________________________
Pour le Ministre des Relations canadiennes
Government of Quebec
"Je me souviens" (and we remember when BC said it was 'the best place on Earth'—we remember that)