Quebec’s Reconciliation Efforts Plummet, Poll Reveals Urgent Gaps

URGENT UPDATE: A new poll reveals that Quebec is lagging behind the rest of Canada in efforts toward reconciliation with Indigenous communities. The Léger survey, released last week, indicates that only 58 percent of Quebec respondents feel more educated about Indigenous history compared to five years ago—six points below the national average of 64 percent. This alarming trend raises critical questions about Quebec’s commitment to reconciliation.

The survey, which included 1,627 Canadians, highlights a troubling reality: Quebecers are the least likely to engage in reconciliation activities, including wearing an orange shirt on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, with a staggering 59 percent reporting non-participation—12 points above the national average.

Chadwick Cowie, a political science professor at the University of Toronto, emphasizes a significant lack of political will in Quebec. “They’ve been getting failing grades ever since the TRC came out with their recommendations,” Cowie stated, pointing to a broader systemic issue. He noted that educational institutions in Quebec have failed to incorporate reconciliation into their curriculums, leading to a persistent gap in awareness and understanding.

As Cowie elaborates, “Listening to university students talk about what they learned often centers only on how historical events have impacted Quebecois identity.” This narrow focus limits the crucial understanding of Indigenous histories and the ongoing consequences of the Residential School System.

Other provinces such as British Columbia and Ontario have seen significant progress on TRC Calls to Action, largely due to the support of progressive governments. In contrast, Cowie argues that Quebec’s political landscape lacks the urgency to address these issues across all parties, including Quebec Solidaire, the Liberal Party, and the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ). “None of them are willing to confront the narrative that conflicts with their identity as a distinct nation,” he said.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, established in 2021, is intended to honor the children who never returned from Residential Schools, yet Cowie stresses that the observance must also focus on the Survivors and their ongoing challenges. “It’s not just about those who passed away; it’s about the legacy that continues today,” he emphasized.

The last Residential School in Canada, Kivalliq Hall, closed in 1997, but day schools operated into the early 2000s. Cowie warns that framing discussions around reconciliation solely as historical fails to acknowledge the ongoing impact of the Residential School System. “It’s talked about in a past tense when it’s also present,” he noted, underscoring the urgent need for a shift in narrative.

As Quebec faces these critical challenges, the implications are profound not just for the province but for Canada as a whole. The ongoing struggle for reconciliation remains a pressing national issue, demanding immediate attention and action from all levels of government.

What happens next? Stakeholders and citizens alike are called to engage in conversations that push for change and demand accountability from their leaders. The urgency is clear: Quebec must address its reconciliation gaps to foster a truly inclusive society.

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor developments in this vital issue.