U.S. President Donald Trump's pressure on Canada to drop French as an official language has had an unexpected effect - a sharp decline in support for Quebec separatism. The movement for Quebec to become an independent country has been a decades-long issue in Canada, with pro-independence activists arguing that the mainly French-speaking province needs to be free from the rest of Canada to preserve its language and culture. In a recent development, President Trump suggested that Canada drop French as an official language, saying that only English should be used. His comments sparked widespread criticism in Canada, and Quebec nationalists also responded angrily. However, a recent survey found that support for Quebec's independence from Canada has dropped sharply, to 30 percent from 46 percent in 2017. The survey, conducted by the Léger Association, found that 60 percent of Quebec residents oppose independence. The movement for Quebec's independence has ebbed and flowed over the years, but it had been gaining strength in recent years. The sharp decline in support for independence is attributed to various factors, including a strong Canadian economy and a united front against Trump's comments. The Canadian government has taken a strong stance against Trump's suggestion, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saying that Canada will not drop French as an official language. The Quebec provincial government has also responded strongly, with Premier François Legault saying that Quebec will not be swayed by Trump's comments. The Léger Association survey found that 71 percent of Quebec residents believe that the province's interests are best served by staying part of Canada. The survey also found that 55 percent of Quebec residents believe that the province's language and culture are not under threat. The results suggest that Quebec nationalists may be facing an uphill battle in their quest for independence. The movement for Quebec's independence has been a contentious issue in Canada for decades, with pro-independence activists arguing that the province needs to be free from the rest of Canada to preserve its language and culture. However, the recent survey suggests that Quebec residents may be rethinking their support for independence. The Canadian government has also taken steps to promote French as an official language, including increasing funding for French-language education and promoting French-language services. The Quebec provincial government has also taken steps to promote French, including making it easier for immigrants to learn the language. The Léger Association survey was conducted from February 7 to 10, and it involved 1,000 Quebec residents.
United States President Donald Trump clarified that trade negotiations with Canada did not collapse over France language requirements, but rather over different viewpoints. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Kodi stated that the US threatened to restrict French language use, calling it a threat to Quebec and Canada's culture that they would not accept.
Trump affirmed he would not impede French language use among Canadians, and even claimed he loves Quebecers. As criticism grew over the US threatening Canada's official language rights, Trump's clarifications marked a shift from constant pressure on French language restrictions. The US requested Canada prioritize French content for streaming services in Quebec, and the US trade representative included it as a trade barrier in the 2026 trade barriers report.
Canada's French language rights and bilingual nature are enshrined in the constitution, with both official languages having equal status in federal institutions. This incident has fueled anger among French-language Quebec residents, who now have a strong negative view of Trump. With 80% of French-speaking Quebecers supporting Trump, the Canadian government's interference has weakened Quebec's separatist momentum and may have ended the Trudeau government's push for a third independence referendum in October.
Quebec's support for independence has dipped to around 30% of the population for the first time in decades, with many Quebec residents opting to remain within Canada.
Written by urgent.news from Hankyoreh's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
