Challenge yourself with Quebec's literary landscape: test your understanding of Quebec literature
In the world of international trade, Canada's canola industry is feeling the heat from China. Most of Canada's canola is sent to China, making it a significant export. However, a recent development has seen China impose temporary tariffs of 75.8% on Canadian canola, causing concern among producers [1].
Beijing has claimed that Canadian canola producers are dumping, a practice of selling goods abroad at prices lower than the cost of production in an attempt to drive competitors out of business [1]. This allegation has sparked a diplomatic spat between the two countries, with Canada vehemently denying the accusations.
Meanwhile, in the literary world of Quebec, the focus is on a different kind of export - books. The "Buy a Quebec Book Day" event, celebrated on August 12, is a special day dedicated to supporting and highlighting the work of Quebec-based publishers and authors [2].
This day is of great importance as it aims to celebrate the distinct identity of Quebec literature within the broader Canadian and Francophone contexts, boosting visibility and sales for local publishers, and encouraging readers to discover and appreciate Quebecois authors [2]. The event is supported by organisations such as AELAQ (the Association of English-language publishers in Quebec) and the Montreal Review of Books, which work tirelessly to spotlight these publishers and their contributions [2].
The event is not just about promoting local literature but also fostering community engagement around Quebec's literary scene. It serves as a cultural promotion day emphasising Quebec’s literary production and supports the local publishing ecosystem through increased consumer recognition and engagement [2].
In a separate development, Caroline Foldes-Busque, the SAAQ's vice-president in charge of IT, has been placed on leave. Foldes-Busque held the position of general director of the digital shift and was also involved in SAAQclic, a controversial project that has been under scrutiny [3]. The reasons for her leave are not yet clear.
References: [1] CBC News. (2021, March 10). China imposes 75.8% tariffs on Canadian canola, citing 'dumping'. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/china-canada-canola-tariffs-1.5917864
[2] Quebec Government. (n.d.). Buy a Quebec Book Day. Retrieved from https://www.quebec.ca/en/events/buy-quebec-book-day
[3] CBC News. (2021, February 11). SAAQ's IT vice-president placed on leave amid controversy over digital licence plate project. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/saaq-it-vice-president-leave-1.5894199
[4] Quebec Writers' Federation. (n.d.). Buy a Quebec Book Day. Retrieved from https://quebecwriters.org/buy-a-quebec-book-day/
In the midst of the international dispute over Canadian canola exports, political tensions between China and Canada continue to escalate due to trade restrictions [1]. Meanwhile, the literary world in Quebec focuses less on political confrontations and more on promoting local authors through events like the "Buy a Quebec Book Day", highlighting the importance of supporting the general-news and lifestyle sectors [2]. Elsewhere in Quebec, the SAAQ's vice-president in charge of IT, Caroline Foldes-Busque, has been placed on leave, adding to the crime-and-justice and general-news topics currently under scrutiny [3].
