Quebec

R.J. Yancey French Project On Quebec Quebec, located in Canada, is a very large province, covering an area nearly three times the size of France. It has a population of over 7 million, which is about 24% of the Canadian population.The capital of Quebec is Montreal. Montreal is the 2nd largest city in all of Canada. It is ranked as the 8th largest metropolitan city in the entire world with a population of about 3.5 million. Unlike most Canadian provinces, Quebec's national language is French rather than English. Quebec is very well known for it's diverse culture. It is sometimes referred to as the crossroads between America and Europe. This is because it's people are all connected to strong cultural currents of the U.S., France, and even the British Isles. In 1534 a French explorer by the name of Jaques Cartier, founded a small colony near what today is present Quebec City. Later, Quebec was settled as a fur trading outpost. In 1633 Quebec was sworn in as an official royal province of France. Within about 100 years the population of France would sky rocket from 3,000 to 50,000. Most of these people farmed along the St. Lawrence river. This river would provide farmland with adequate water flow, and essential nutrients. Before 1968, there were 2 legislative houses, but one was abolished because it was run by unelected upperclass citizens. The remaining house, which was called the Legislative Assembly, would be renamed and eventually evolve into what is today's National Assembly. This National Assembly was more practical and worked for the good of all people, not just the rich. Quebec's economy is equally dependent upon agriculture and industry. It is the world leader in maple syrup production, lumber, and hydroelectricity. Quebec is also very famous for their aeronauticial companies like Bombardier, Pratt and Whittney, and CAE. Quebec's motto is "Je me souviens.", which is French for "I remeber." This simple phrase is etched on the side of the Parliament Building in Quebec City. It can also be found on coat of arms, and license plates. This phrase encompasses all of what Quebec is; a washed up nation living in the past.