SES challenges "Quebec as a Nation" strategy

Canada’s best young pollster, Nik Nanos, did an interesting survey on the “Quebec as a Nation” question. The one that is bedevilling the federal Liberal Party at the moment. Mr. Nanos called it a “Liberal Albatross” in his most recent SES Research National Survey. While 40% of Quebecers were more likely to vote Liberal as a result, 54% of Ontarians were less likely to vote Liberal due to the Ignatieff notion of Quebec as a Nation, according to Mr. Nanos:

“The symbolic recognition of Quebec as a nation has traction only in Quebec. Outside of Quebec – it is quite likely to push voters away from the federal Liberals. The two key battlegrounds for the next election are Ontario and Quebec. Think of the trade-off. On the one hand you have a net negative impact in Ontario (10% more likely to vote Liberal while 54% say they would be less likely to vote Liberal), while there is a potential upside in Quebec (40% more likely to vote Liberal while 12% less likely to vote Liberal) where voters can already opt for the pro-Quebec Bloc. This is dangerous and volatile ground for the Liberals.”

If Mr. Ignatieff really is the purported heir to the Trudeau mantle, why is Mr. Trudeau turning over in his grave right now at the thought of Quebec being given “Nation” status?

MRM