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Abstract
The possibility that Quebec could secede from Canada necessitates a closer examination of the possible post-secession environment. A referendum vote in favour of Quebec separation will place the federal government in a precarious position: to protect the security and safety of Canadians as well as attempting to keep the country together. The federal government's response to such an event will be fashioned according to existing legal and political rights, and the constraints that are imposed upon them.
An affirmative vote to separate could trigger three possible responses by the federal government: it could accept it, it could go through a period of debate but show willingness to negotiate, or it could contest it. Each possible response confers on the government different legal and political rights to involve the Canadian Forces (CF).
As an extension to the analysis of the possible implications for the federal government and the CF if Quebec votes in a referendum to separate, the current legislation, the Emergencies Act and the National Defence Act, will be analyzed to determine whether it is sufficient for dealing with such a national emergency. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
