I can't stick with the Bloc anymore.

During the last Canadian election cycle, I supported the Bloc Quebecois like I do in every election. I have always supported movements throughout the world that portray themselves as 'protecting their heritage'. I saw the Bloc as another group that promoted these values. But after further evaluation, I have determined that I have been mislead. I can no longer support the Bloc in the future.

I feel that the Bloc isn't running to 'protect the French Canadians', but to just be a thorn in the side of Canadian politics. I honestly don't see any reason for their existance.

For years, I agreed with their line of B.S., Quebec is better on their own, yada yada yada! And as a person that is living in a place where there is an increasing amount of Spanish speaking people, I can somewhat understand their worries.

But, I asked myself...isn't the official language of Canada BOTH French and English? Isn't it true that French is on official government buildings as far away as Alberta and British Columbia, where there aren't that many French speakers? What are they complaining about then?

Then I thought that it might have to do with discrimination.

I have been a strong supporter of Sinn Fein in Ireland for a long time. One of their main arguments is that there is widespread discrimination against Catholics by the Protestant community. Looking at the unployment figures, this is a stone cold fact. In the most staunch Protestant areas, unemployment is down around 3%, a number the Clinton Administration would even be jealous of. But in the strongest Catholic areas, such as Derry City, umemployment is as high as 23%. This trend between Catholic and Protestant communities is consistant in all Northern Irish cities.

But in Quebec, I find there to be little difference. Yes, Quebec's unemployment rate is 1.4% higher than the rest of the country, but I highly doubt that this has to do with English employers discriminating against their French counterparts. Newfoundland and Labrador is at 15% unemployment.

As I see it, Canada has done all it can to include French Canadians into their society. They haven't done anything to destroy their heritage. In fact, by making French an official language as well, they seem to be working toward making French Canadians more comfortable within Canada.

So, this is what I ask...what does the Bloc stand for? Yes, they support an independent Quebec, but why? What has Canada not done that the Bloc wants? How has Canada 'hurt' Quebec. Yes, there is the Sponsorship Scandal...but what else? A scandal is a scandal and they will always be around. I just haven't seen anything in Canadian politics where the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP or others have been anti-Quebec. As a matter of fact, it seems to me that all parties tried to reach out to Quebec voters, especially the Conservatives.

Therefore, I can no longer support the Bloc. I do not see what they stand for.

As for their argument that they want to be independent of Canada, I don't know what Canada "hasn't" offered Quebec. Honestly, it seems to me that Canada has done more than enough to satisfy the French Canadian population.