QUEBEC’S CLAIM TO INDEPENDENCE

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 10, 7 October 1936, Page 11

QUEBEC’S CLAIM TO INDEPENDENCE

Former Mayor’s Prediction

A prediction that the province of Quebec may shortly leave the Confederation of Canada was recently made by Mr. Houde, who was Mayor of Montreal until his sudden resignation a few weeks ago. He bases this view on the fact that the National Union Party, led by Mr. Maurice Duplessis, which won an overwhelming victory in the recent election. contains a strong Nationalist element. These people, he declares, wish to establish a French-Canadian Republic on the banks of the St. Lawrence.

Mr. Houde made his prediction in a long statement to the Press explaining his resignation “I had undertaken to settle economic difficulties and municipal problems,” he said, “but I had not promised to undertake the rehabilitation of mx race.

“Ever since April, 1934, there has been growing at Quebec a spirit of Intense nationalism. This complicates the situation gravely.

“The verdict of the people at the last ('lection makes it plain that the trend is in that direction. Our administrative problems at Montreal and Quebec arc sufficient without adding racial problems to them.”