Kosovo : Serbia :: Quebec : Canada, how?

Ottawa remains silent on the recognition of Kosovo’s self-declared independence. Prime Minister Harper is in a tricky position here. Canada has its own minority that could unilaterally declare its independence. Official recognition of Kosovo could set a precedent for a future Quebec-separatist campaign. The international recognition that Kosovo has received has encouraged the separatist movement which has been waning over the past few years. International recognition may now supersede the need for national referendum.

Albanians in Canada agree that Kosovo is like Quebec, but in the opposite sense. They say Kosovo’s independence shouldn’t raise fears about Quebec. Canadian Serbs say Kosovo is to Serbia as Quebec is to Canada, and cannot unilaterally separate. This dilemma is at the root of the Canadian government’s slow reaction. Liberal Party leader Stéphane Dion, a Quebecer himself, wants Canada to recognize Kosovo but dismisses the arguments of Quebec separatists.

After some deliberation and hand-wringing, Canada will likely recognize Kosovo as it did Montenegro in 2006. There are more important issues preventing Quebec from separating, such as the fact that much of Quebec is native land and they are not likely to go quietly.