CANADA: Non to Separatism

"This will be the most important election in Canada's history," declared Quebec Premier Robert Bourassa. Hyperbole aside, last week's Quebec elections did involve something less parochial than the issues that normally dominate the politics of provincial Canada. At stake: whether Quebec would remain in the Canadian confederation or opt out.

When the returns were in, Bourassa's Liberal Party had buried the separatist opposition, winning 102 out of 110 seats in the assembly. Despite the landslide, the separatist Parti Québécois did score a victory of sorts. By winning six seats, it became the...