“I don’t think it’s up to the government of Quebec to finance activities promoting federalism. We can give grants to neighbourhood parties during Canada Day. What we want to avoid is getting into the promotion of federalism and Canada.”Legault added however that the funding ban also extends to neighbourhood-level activities that promote Quebec sovereignty. However, Fête nationale activities that take place on St-Jean-Baptiste Day will continue to be eligible for funding. While the Fête nationale has for decades been perceived as a platform for expressions of support for Quebec nationalism and sovereignty, a spokesperson for the office of cabinet minister Isabelle Charest, who is responsible for the funding program, said: “The Fête nationale does not promote Quebec separation; the Fête nationale promotes Quebec.”

Source: National Post May 15, 2019 14:41 UTC