I think it’s very clear that the Albertan separatist movement is rooted in conservative “welfare queen” rhetoric and not anything valid, so perhaps let’s focus on the québécois sovereignty movement. I know that the local anarchist stance is, of course, ni Québec, ni Canada, and I have seen a variety of opinions from local communists. But I would be interested to know how non-local leftists perceive the concept of québécois sovereignty.
Context for the sovereignty movement in a spoiler so as to not pollute your opinion of it before responding
Perhaps non-Canadians are not aware, but there was a period of time where sovereigntist groups such as the FLQ (Front de libération du Québec / Quebec Liberation Front) were engaging in “terroristic” (I always hesitate to use this word due to its weaponization by bourgeois states) actions, which resulted in the Prime Minister essentially declaring martial law to deal with it.
There was also a referendum in 1995 that came extremely close to passing, with only 50.85% of voters voting against independence. A “yes” vote of 50% plus one would have been successful.
Many of the movement’s early key figures were involved for reasons of white supremacy, and the movement is extremely white to this day. The popular conservative parties are sovereigntist and also extremely xenophobic, following in French tradition in policing what kinds of clothing Muslim women are allowed to wear.
But what I find extremely interesting and odd is that the province’s “left” party, Québec Solidaire, is also sovereigntist.
I can probably elucidate upon more history and nuance of the reasons why the movement became popular if people need or would like more context.