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THE WEEK AHEAD : MONTREAL : Eyeing More Power for Quebec

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Quebec’s governing Liberal Party is to debate its stand on the touchy issue of independence from Canada during its biennial convention starting Friday.

Traditionally supporting Canadian unity, the Liberals now see a majority of Francophone Quebecers calling for some form of sovereignty, and their challenge is to find a way of catering to these voters while simultaneously distancing themselves from the outright independentiste opposition, the Parti Quebecois.

Facing calls for a provincewide referendum on separation this year, the Liberal government may promise to negotiate vast new powers for the province while remaining part of a restructured nation. If talks fail, the referendum could still be held next year.

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