🚀 go-pugleaf

Regarding division of Canada's debt with Quebec,
ae723@FreeNet.Carleton.CA (Brent Beach) writes:
>Just thinking about what happens after a YES depresses me.
>
>The short answer is that federal Canadian debt is owed by the
>federal government. The Canadian government would continue to
>have the obligation. So, no matter what Quebec does, we must 
>continue to honour our debts.

Actually, there is a way in which Canada can exert considerable pressure 
on Quebec, and that is through control of James Bay hydroelectric power.
This is likely the primary source of revenue available to the Quebec 
government.  The only problem is that the land on which these 
hydroelectric projects are situated is not part of the historical 
boundries of Quebec, but rather represents land which was given to Quebec 
with rather strong strings attached in 1912.

There are ample legal grounds for Canada to take over these lands in 
order to fulfill its obligations to the Cree inhabitents of this 
territory.  Given the history of Quebec-native relations, it would not be 
surprising if there was overt armed conflict between Quebec and various 
native groups who wanted to stay in Canada.  It doesn't take much 
technology to demolish hydro towers, and the length of the power-lines to 
be patrolled to prevent sabotage would require a huge manpower 
committment.  Should Canada want to get nasty, all it would take would be 
to supply explosives to friendly natives who wished to support the Cree, 
and Quebec's electricity sales would be zero.  As significant power to 
the NE US is supplied from James Bay, it is likely that such actions 
might also bring the US into the fray.

Boris Gimbarzevsky