In French it is spelled Québec, and it is the accent on the letter ‘e’ that gives it the ‘Ke’ sound.

I think you may be noting that in French, “qu” is pronounced with simply the “k” sound, whereas in English (and American), we pronounce it as “kw,” as in “God save the Kween.” On the other hand, when we English-speakers say the French word “quiche,” we use the French pronunciation, rather than saying “kwitch”.

As odieux says, “Qué” is pronounced “kay” in French (kaybec). The “é” accent is pronounced “aay”. Maybe that’s why Americans say that Canadians always say “eh.” (aay) lol

English Canadians usually pronounce Québec, “Kebec” and westerners might even pronounce it “qewbec”

Whenever you see the “è” accent “grave”(sp), it’s pronounced differently, somewhat like “uhh,” exactly like the vowel sound in “world.”

My guess is because they’re French!?...and Canadian…?!