Three decades have passed since Quebec teetered on the brink of separating from Canada, with the vivid memories of the 1995 sovereignty referendum still etched in the minds of many.
On a pivotal day, October 30, 1995, Quebecers cast their votes, with 50.58% opting to remain part of Canada, a slender majority that shaped the province’s political landscape for years to come.
The voter turnout on that historic day broke records as queues formed outside polling stations across Quebec, reflecting the gravity of the decision at hand.
Speaking to CityNews at a polling station, a Montreal resident remarked, “I’ve never seen such a turnout in an election before. To see a line this long shows how serious the issue is.”
For the English-speaking community, the period leading up to the referendum was marked by uncertainty and tension. Reflecting on those times, a Montrealer recalled, “It was a very tense time, especially for the Anglo community because we didn’t know what was going to happen.”
The referendum evoked strong emotions, with political analyst Justine McIntyre reminiscing, “I remember Jean Charest coming and whipping up the crowd. People were wearing Canadian flags, and one man was openly crying as the numbers went up for Quebec to separate. It was very emotional.”
The aftermath of the referendum saw an exodus of individuals seeking better opportunities in other provinces, driven by the prevailing uncertainty in Quebec.
Looking back on that pivotal night, various figures shared their perspectives, highlighting the lasting impact of the referendum on Quebec’s identity and relationship with Canada.
