:smack: :smack: :smack: And of course Day is from BC. :o Ahem. Clearly I don’t know much about Western Canada. I’ll read your link, featherlou, I’m sure it will be very educational.
Yeah, but it’s going to be changed shortly. And the arguments to preserve it didn’t have much to do about religion.
I know. Actually, after writing the linked pit thread, I had eventually completely forgotten about Wong. But a few weeks ago it was again brought to my attention by someone. This person was more bothered by the reaction of the Globe’s editor, who had the opportunity of apologizing, but instead basically said “well, Wong’s viewpoint is a legitimate way to look at this event, and you’d do better looking at yourselves instead of crying racism”. Note that this person didn’t seem at all to me like the kind of person who would benefit from the impression that the rest of Canada doesn’t like Quebec. You would do well not underestimating the impression that the Wong affair, and similar ones, have had on Quebecers. It may seem like throwaway comments to you, but not necessarily to us.
Yes, and I also think this reaction was wrong.
Actually, you stated what you think the differences are. I’m saying that other than language there the differences are very minor, if they actually do exist at all.
And if you did you’d probably see that the differences are as minor as I percieve them to be.
Yes, I note though, that the desire for Quebec to be separate and control its own destiny doesn’t stop it from taking transfer payments. Any you wonder why we are somewhat cynical when wanting to control your own destiny and paying for your own destiny don’t coincide?
There does seem to be a disconnect with regard to Quebec and the transfer payments. Saskatchewan is now a Have province, but Quebec still isn’t? Really?
(If someone knows about why Quebec is a recipient of transfer payments, please come tell us about it. I don’t understand why Quebec is still considered a Have-not province and therefore taking transfer payments, when it seems to me like they should be able to be financially viable.)
Okay, I guess nobody knows. Too bad - I was looking forward to having my ignorance fought. 
Well, it’s just a formula based on the province’s ability to raise revenue; essentially, it’s based on the province’s per capita GDP.
Quebec simply does not have the per capita GDP that Alberta and Ontario have. (Saskatchewan is back into being a receipient in 06-07.) Quebec charges high income taxes, which tends to push corporations and earners out of the province.