Published by Les Presses de l’Université Laval, the book brings together around ten contributions from scholars across a range of disciplines. Together, they provide contrasting perspectives on criticism directed at Quebec, while also broadening the discussion to include attacks on bilingualism policies across French-speaking communities in Canada.
The volume highlights a recurring dynamic in relations between English Canada and Quebec: a perspective often marked by a sense of moral superiority toward the Quebec nation and Francophone communities. While relations between the “two solitudes” cannot be reduced to this alone, the contributors argue that such attitudes have resurfaced periodically since the Conquest of 1760. The term “Quebec bashing” has emerged to describe this pattern of often harsh and, at times, perceived as unfair criticism of the province.
The chapters explore the many dimensions of this phenomenon. Some trace its intellectual and historical roots, while others analyze its contemporary expressions—from the notion of a “language police” to critiques of secularization policies in Quebec society, as well as debates surrounding bilingualism, particularly in New Brunswick.
Importantly, the book adopts a nuanced approach. It not only documents the phenomenon but also offers a critical examination of the concept itself, questioning its uses and potential for misuse. By addressing a significant gap in the scholarly literature, this volume makes an important contribution to ongoing discussions about linguistic, political, and cultural relations in Canada.
With this publication, Les Presses de l’Université Laval provide a valuable resource for anyone seeking to better understand the tensions, perceptions, and debates shaping the relationship between Quebec, English Canada, and Francophone communities today.