Three decades have passed since the pivotal 1995 referendum, a historic event that almost saw Quebecers voting to break away from Canada. The memories of that time still linger vividly among those who experienced it firsthand.
The intense campaign, filled with uncertainties, fears, and hopes, left a lasting impact on the people involved. Montreal Gazette journalist Philip Authier, who covered the pro-independence “yes” campaign during the referendum, recently shared his insights on the notable moments of that period.
Reflecting on his experience, Authier described the initial stages of the campaign as resembling a typical election, with debates centered around the feasibility of Quebec as an independent nation. Despite the calm atmosphere at the beginning, the divisive nature of the referendum soon became apparent as the federalist and pro-independence factions engaged in heated discussions.
When asked about his predictions for the outcome, Authier acknowledged the closely divided opinions within the population. The referendum’s razor-thin margin of around 50,000 votes took many by surprise, likening the suspense to a dramatic sports event that went into overtime. He highlighted two significant moments from the final days – Jacques Parizeau’s controversial speech attributing the loss to money and ethnic votes, followed by his resignation the next day, a poignant and solitary moment in Quebec City.
In terms of lessons learned, Authier emphasized the divisive nature of such debates and the unforeseen emotional toll it can take on individuals and families. While some supporters felt disillusioned following the referendum, others, inspired by Parizeau’s resilience, held onto the belief of trying again in the future. The referendum experience, Authier noted, left a lasting impact on Quebec’s political landscape, shaping the views and attitudes of different generations towards independence.
