During the Bloc Party (convention) in Montreal this weekend, leader of the Bloc Quebecois Gilles Duceppe openly mused about the possibility of subverting the Canadian military in the province Quebec to become an army of the independent nation of Quebec.

After intense discussions on whether such a force was viable or necessary, the some 1,000 delegates rejected the idea using the more politically palatable term “national guard” instead of army.

They also agreed it could be created by taking over Canadian military facilities.

…

Duceppe said he had faith a Quebec army would have no trouble recruiting.

“When you look at voting (for separatist parties) … we have very good results among the military … There are lots of sovereigntists in the Canadian army” — Gilles Duceppe

Part II, section 53 of The criminal code of Canada deals with “Inciting to Mutiny” and states,

Every one who

(a) attempts, for a traitorous or mutinous purpose, to seduce a member of the Canadian Forces from his duty and allegiance to Her Majesty, or

(b) attempts to incite or to induce a member of the Canadian Forces to commit a traitorous or mutinous act,

is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.

R.S., c. C-34, s. 53.

Gilles Duceppe is walking a fine line here.