The French fact in North America: Quebec-United States Relations
JEAN-LOUIS ROY
At various times in their history, Quebecers have been forced to evaluate the conditions of their survival in relation to the existence, recent history, and perceived intentions of the people and government of the United States. For more than three-quarters of a century (1867-1945) their reaction centred largely on an internal debate over the effects of the American giant’s existence and influence upon their own society.1 In numerous instances, they negotiated on an informal basis with American interests in both the public and private sectors, within the general framework provided by the colonial and Canadian situations. But it was accidental if some French-speaking Quebecers were able to play a leading role in the development of Canadian policy towards the United States. With the notable exceptions of the Laurier and Trudeau administrations, the contribution of French Canadians to the elaboration of Canada’s foreign policy has been confined to those who were members of the federal cabinet and/or the upper echelon of the civil service.
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