Canadians were quick to respond to the federal Conservatives' motion that the Québécois "form a nation within Canada," with most telling CBC.ca they don't support the idea.

Many said they believed the motion, introduced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in the House of Commons on Wednesday and due for a vote next week, could be the beginning of a slippery slope of demands.

"Why then do we not have a German Nation, Ukrainian Nation, Russian Nation? Quebec is not a distinct nation. They are Canadians just like the rest of us," wrote Terry Marak.

Peter Swire said the prime minister's motion was "less than helpful for the building of a better Canada."

"How long will it be for other parts of Canada to ask to be considered a nation? The West? Toronto? Newfoundland and Labrador? What is fair is fair, isn't it?"

Others reacted with outrage, saying they are tired of an issue that never seems to go away.

"This is so absurd! The placation, mollification and accommodation of Quebec always becomes Job One whenever there is some federal political volatility — whether it's a tenuous minority government trying to hang on, or a major party electing a leader," wrote Tim Elliott, from Calgary.

Mark Cascella questioned how Harper's motion appeases Quebec residents that identify with Canada as their nation.

"The separatist movement is pure fantasy, ignorant of the reality that we live in a global village, and to become a small sovereign nation defined by a culture of insularity would lead to socio-economic catastrophe," wrote Cascella.

Recognize the obvious, others urge

Others seemed to feel that change could be in the air.

"Tolerance can only go so far and then you end up with a fractured nation that does not know who it is," wrote Peter Chalker.

'I feel that recognizing Quebec as a nation is stating the obvious and should have been done years ago.'-Halifax man

"Unfortunately, this may mean a very different Canada in the future but if you want to live here and benefit from Canadian institutions — conform."

A reader from Halifax said Harper's motion reflects a "more evolved sense of national unity."

"I feel that recognizing Quebec as a nation is stating the obvious and should have been done years ago," he wrote.

"However, I'm also inclined to think that comes with a price. Canada will ultimately have to change, but maybe we need to. The question becomes how much, and can we a logical and comprehensive constitutional debate in this country right now."

Some questioned the wording of the prime minister's motion.

"The motion refers to recognizing the Québécois (people) as a nation within Canada. It does not refer to the recognizing of Quebec (province) as a nation," wrote Ron White.

Griffin, a reader from Halifax, quotes comedian Rick Mercer in looking for the perfect solution.

"Let Quebec separate. Then all the other provinces will separate and join with Quebec. We can all become the country of Quebec. Then we can have a referendum and change the name back to Canada."