Quebec is a great province to study in, but it’s not always easy to learn about all the history or connect with the culture when we’re busy at work at an Anglophone university.
So, SSMU is collaborating with some groups on campus to bring you a week of events to introduce you to this fascinating place!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Monday, January 21
5-6 pm, SSMU Clubs Lounge: Basic Introduction to Quebec, with the SSMU Commission des affaires francophones
This workshop will provide a basic introduction to Quebec, its history, and its relationship with the rest of Canada. **Cancelled. **
6-9 pm, SSMU Room 302: Debate on Quebec Sovereignty, with the McGill Debating Union
Is Quebec a distinct society within Canada? If so, does it make sense that it be sovereign? This debate will explore some of the arguments around the divisive topic.
Tuesday, January 22
5-6 pm, SSMU Room 302: Introduction to Quebec’s regions, with the SSMU Commission des affaires francophones
Quebec is a big province! This presentation will talk about what happens in the different regions around Quebec, and how they related to each other. **Cancelled. **
6-7:30 pm, SSMU Room 302: Montreal Black History
Montreal, like many places across North America, experienced its own civil rights movement. This presentation will go over the little-known history of the Montreal black power movement, and other black organizing around the city.
Wednesday, January 23
5-6:30 pm, Lev Bukhmnan room: Aboriginal Peoples, with Paige Isaac from the McGill First Peoples House
When thinking about various regions of North America/Turtle Island, it is important to recognize that there is a long history of the Aboriginal Peoples who were the original inhabitants. This workshop will cover historical and contemporary issues related to the relationship between Aboriginals and white settlers in Canada and Quebec in particular. Some of the issues currently being addressed by the IdleNoMore movement will be explored here.
6:30-8 pm, Lev Bukhman room: Quebec Student Movement
Last spring saw an unprecedented mobilization against a planned tuition hike, and ended with a fall election and cancellation of the hike. But that did not come from nowhere, and Quebec has a long history of strong student mobilization. This workshop will cover this history, will talk about the different actors involved, and some of the ideas that drive the movement.
Thursday, January 24
5-6 pm, SSMU Room B-30: Bill 101 and Quebec Legal Issues
Quebec has some interesting legislation, some of which is fairly controversial. Bill 101, the Charter of the French Language, is one of those. This workshop will go over that piece of legislation, and other aspects of the Quebec legal system.
8 pm – 2 am: Francophone Night at Gerts
This week doesn’t just have to be about giving information, since a big part of Quebec is the music and party scene.
Details tba.
Friday, January 25
5-6:30 pm: French/English Historicity
As some of you may have noticed, there are some clear differences between the history of Canada as English-Canada sees it, compared to Francophone-Canada. This presentation will cover some of the examples of this different view, and how it relates to the Quebec identity.
8 pm onward: Poutine-Crawl
Poutine is one of the dishes for which Quebec is the most famous, and Montreal has a lot of selection. But, which is the best? What different kinds are there?
Join us as we embark on a tour of some of the finest poutine establishments within walking distance of McGill campus.
