Quebec Sovereignty

Voters in the French-speaking province of Quebec will soon decide whether or not to secede from Canada. In 1980, after a similar referendum was soundly rejected, separatists blamed defeat on fears that sovereignty in Quebec would lead to economic hardship. To lure voters this time, the ruling Parti Quebecois promises to maintain close relations with Canada after independence. But this pledge may prove empty, as English Canada is showing signs of frustration over Quebec's constant demands for special treatment. With most opinion polls indicating a close vote on Oct. 30, U.S. officials are remaining diplomatically silent about what happens in Canada. But the stakes are large: Canada is the United States' biggest trading partner.