Mordecai Richler: Oh Canada! Oh Quebec!

The gloves are off where Mordecai Richler and Quebec sovereignty are concerned. With a sure satirical eye, Richler — himself a Quebecer — takes a look at what he calls “the western world’s goofiest and most unnecessary political crisis.”

English-speaking Quebecers endure Draconian language laws prohibiting English or bilingual signs in Mongreal because they are seen as an affront to the city’s visage linguistique. Meanwhile, Francophones debate the merits of going it along as a means of protecting their language and culture. But are they prepared for the massive problems independence entails? And can the rest of Canada cope with the calamity of a separate Quebec?