Flirting with de Gaulle

Amid the festivities this week in Quebec City, there was a sour note. Conjuring up unpleasant memories of Charles de Gaulle's visit to Montreal 41 years ago, French Prime Minister François Fillon needlessly and recklessly waded into issues of national unity that are none of his business. Mr. Fillon was not nearly as brazen as Mr. de Gaulle, who famously helped ignite the sovereignty movement with his "Vive le Québec libre" proclamation from the balcony of Montreal's City Hall. But in his remarks at Quebec City's 400th anniversary celebrations, he approvingly cited the iconic president's speech - fondly recalling how "a great historic voice" had "pulled Quebec out of its hibernation." Although Mr. Fillon did not quote Mr. de Gaulle directly, his words were greeted with predictable enthusiasm by Parti Québécois Leader Pauline... [read full story]