The uniqueness of the Conservative Party, under the leadership of Stephen Harper was that in 2011, he carved out a national majority without having to rely on support from Quebec.  This cut out Quebec from being a player in the Confederation for the first time in Canadian political history.  The CPC only having this capability.

To prevent Quebec from alienation, Harper gave QC carte blanche in most areas of governance.  This was the concept of a nation within a nation.  During this time period, Quebec had separatist governance, stodgy corrupt Liberal governance, and ongoing flirtation with messianic political figures.  The tough economic times, going it on their own, their self exclusion from their significant role in the Confederation, seemingly brought about an epiphany which was that casting itself adrift from Canada was a choice of decline, and that it was better to stay.

Canada matured as a nation and people during this era, all the while balancing the books.  Interesting times.