Chocolate Boisclair

André Boisclair is the new leader of Canada’s premiere separatist party, the Parti Quebecois. He’s young, handsome, gay and a former cocaine user. He was raised in Outremont, known as the richer side of Montreal, went to the finest schools in Canada and the United States and now leads the party built by René Levesque.

Once again, another intellectual takes the Quebec stage and tries to do the right thing. This has been the case since Levesque was first elected in 1976: Quebec independence. Even though he stalled during the leadership campaign, Boisclair owned-up when he won it by declaring an independence vote in his first term. Trouble is, he has to be elected Premier first then the question will rise up again like Dracula and try to quench its thirst with a Yes vote for sovereignty association or some constitutional configuration.

At this point, it’s all in the future, but at least Boisclair will have the time to write a clear question requiring a Yes or No answer. In 1980, Levesque and the Yes side were soundly defeated. In 1995, Jacques Parizeau, and the Yes side were narrowly defeated. Could a third attempt finally push the independence question over the top?

It all depends on how people feel about themselves at the time. The question of Quebec independence relies on an individual’s circumstances, economically and socially speaking. The power lies in feeling you’re a part of something better. This is usually experienced at massive rallies in hockey rinks. But once you step into the ballot box, it’s a solitary experience. You might panic and vote No or you might hold your nose and vote Yes or you might spoil the ballot in disgust.

The new leader has to make supporters feel that they’re not voting in isolation. Self-determination is a highly intellectual and liberating process. It’s up to Boisclair to remind his constituents and the people of Quebec that supporting independence will make them feel better.

That’s just my opinion. I could be wrong.