Nationalism vs history:

Politicians and educators clash over curriculum

A new history course is being tested in some Quebec schools. This course has drawn fire from some educators for omitting contributions of Anglophones and other minorities, while emphasizing Quebec nationalism.

The teacher who brought this story to the forefront is John Commins, history teacher at Perspectives II High School in Montreal. “One of the key figures in creating this history course is a sociologist from Université du Québec à Montréal, Jacques Beauchemin,” Commins told Radio Canada International. “He said the history of Quebec is incarnated in the French-speaking majority and those who assimilate into it, while Anglophones, Allophones and members of the First Nations can be antagonistic.”  

An example of an omission in the new curriculum is the Rebellion of 1837, an uprising against British rule in the provinces that would become Quebec and Ontario. Commins says the contributions of Anglophones to this rebellion are ignored, despite the fact that Anglophones, like Quebecer, Dr Wolfred Nelson, were prominent leaders in the movement.

The new curriculum was proposed during Pauline Marois’ Parti Québecois government, and has been continued by the Liberals.  Exact details of the new history are sparse, as it is still being tested.

 

James Shea, Chariman of the West Quebec School Board, commented, “I have not had a chance to review the proposed history curriculum. I believe it is best for those who operate in the political domain to leave the analysis of curriculum to the educational professionals in order to ensure that it complies with learning objectives.”

Shea points out that there are always different sides to history, that history is not a monolith but a fluid debate, and, he feels, political motivations can cloud and skew historical debate.

“We have to differentiate between political goals and historical realities,” said Shea. “For this reason, we have qualified and certified teachers who work with students in order to allow them to reach inquisitive interpretations. Politicians should stay out of this debate.” Mr Shea emphasized that these are his personal reflections.