While the political and social climate in the United States continues to polarize public opinion, Quebec personalities such as comedian Michel Barrette share their concerns about the rise in intolerance towards non-Americans.
During an interview with LCN, Barrette spoke of troubling personal experiences, stories that fuel a broader reflection on the choice of several Quebec or European stars to play for Canadian teams, including the Montreal Canadiens.
Michel Barrette recounted two significant incidents that occurred during stays in the United States.
In a crowded restaurant, warm glances turned into frightening coldness as soon as he dared to speak French with his family.
“I remember walking into a restaurant with my wife and son. People smile at us, we go and sit at the table.” (credit: 7 days)
“The restaurant is full of Americans. We start speaking in French and then, because we don’t speak English and we speak in French among ourselves, the looks change. It’s as if you become the stranger”
Worse still, an American neighbor, after noticing his Quebec plates, asked him bluntly when he planned to leave the place.
“I’m sitting on the balcony. The neighbor across the street is mowing his lawn. I wave at him – my car is in the parking lot with the Quebec plate, so it’s obvious that I’m not an American – he doesn’t respond.”
“His father arrives after supper – I’m still on the balcony – he crosses the street, comes to see me and says: ‘When are you leaving again?’ And I, the innocent one, say to him: ‘We’re leaving next Monday’. He says to me: “Good thing”
“Let’s see!” What world are we in?! » exclaimed Barrette, visibly shaken by these experiences.
For him, these incidents are not isolated cases: he hears similar stories from other Quebecers who regularly cross the border.
These social tensions, amplified by protectionist policies and slogans like Make America Great Againcould well have repercussions in the world of professional sport.
According to Barrette, several Quebec and European players could be tempted to flee this oppressive climate and seek refuge in more welcoming environments, like that offered by the Montreal Canadiens.
While the CH has struggled for several years to attract big stars due to local media pressure and the weight of taxes in Quebec, this geopolitical context could become a determining factor for certain athletes.
The return of Donald Trump to the White House, accompanied by controversial appointments, would only amplify these concerns.
Beyond hockey, the Montreal Canadiens embodies a strong cultural identity and a sense of belonging for Quebecers and Europeans.
Often, whether in Sweden, Finland or Russia, people are fans of the Montreal Canadiens above all.
In a world where divisions are increasing, playing for the Habs could represent much more than a sporting opportunity.
Michel Barrette concludes by wondering about the price to pay for this rise of nationalism in the United States.
“Is it at the expense of everything that is not American? This whole atmosphere scares me,” he admits.
A fear that could paradoxically turn into a strategic advantage for a team like the Canadian, ready to welcome talent in search of a respectful and inclusive environment.
In the near future, the question may not be whether the Canadiens can attract these players, but rather to what extent the social and political atmosphere elsewhere will push them to consider Montreal as a natural refuge.
Mikko Rantanen, free as air next summer, recently expressed concerns about his family’s safety since Donald Trump’s return to the presidency of the United States.
This situation could lead Rantanen to consider playing for a Canadian team.
The Montreal Canadiens, always on the lookout for top talent, could benefit from this reality.
The addition of a player of Rantanen’s caliber would be the equivalent of Artemi Panarin in New York: let’s say that the reconstruction would be accelerated like never before.
Rantanen still expressed his attachment to the Avalanche and the city of Denver. But until it is signed, we must hope.
Hopefully Artturi Lehkonen speaks well of Montreal, Quebec and his fans.
