FRANCOIS Roberge remembers hearing about the SNP’s famous win in the 2007 Holyrood election.
“I had heard a little bit about the Scottish independence movement, but I wasn't too informed except that Sean Connery backed it,” the Quebec independence campaigner told The National.
But the huge news of a pro-independence party becoming Scotland’s largest inspired him, and he has followed the Scottish independence movement with a keen interest since, even visiting Edinburgh in 2014 for the independence referendum and he's always looking for lessons he can bring back home to Quebec.
And now, Roberge intends to do the same for a new column for The National – bringing his unique experience of the Quebec independence movement to write about what lessons it may have for Scotland and vice versa.
Roberge has been passionate about Quebec independence since 1988 when the Canadian Supreme Court struck down a law that restricted the use of commercial signs written in languages other than French.
He said: “I thought to myself, why can’t we have the tools to protect our own language and how can we defend it? Independence was the answer I came to, and my involvement in the Quebec independence movement started from there.
“I want a Quebec that signs its own treaties, issues its own currency and decides on its own laws.”
Roberge wants the same for Scotland, and Catalonia too of course. He sees the three as a united front.
He added: “Quebec, Catalonia and Scotland are a trio. All three of us are in a union of sorts, are rich and want full self-determination. We can help and inspire each other.”
He is very passionate about the Scottish independence movement, though, and rattles off some of the famous pro-indy supporters he is aware of.
He said: “The Proclaimers, Simple Minds. I have also started to discover Iona Fyfe, the folk singer who is passionate about the independence cause but also the culture and language.”
Roberge is excited to write for The National and have a platform to interact with our readers. He added: “I want to educate Scots about Quebec and the Quebec independence movement and remind the Yes movement that they are not alone in their fight.”
