[kool maudit]

oh lord -- i log on after a weekend away and i find this waiting in the canada forum.

that said, i'll give it a shot. due to world-wide changes in the relative interdependence of states, separation isn't what it would have been in 1980 (this also has a bit to do with why it won't happen). were quebec separate, a brief period of rancor, ill-will and demagoguery would likely be replaced by both states doing the things that would return the greater continental economy to normal functioning.

by this i mean that they would sign accords (this process would be aided by u.s. pressure), negotiate resource deals and largely ignore the natives.

i don't believe the modern west will really allow any sort of international standoffishness between its component states.