Hundreds of residents of Montreal were observed marching through the streets on Saturday, expressing their optimism about witnessing Quebec’s independence one day. This march in downtown Montreal preceded the upcoming 30th anniversary of the 1995 referendum set for Oct. 30.
Camille Goyette-Gingras, the president of OUI Québec, a key organization behind the rally, noted the increasing involvement of young people in the movement for independence. She highlighted that the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, views independence as a critical component of achieving systemic change.
In the 1995 referendum, federalists narrowly secured victory with 50.58% of the vote. A prior vote held in 1980 by the Parti Québécois saw 40.44% in favor of independence. With the Parti Québécois leading in polls and eyeing a potential third referendum by 2030, optimism remains high within the party.
Goyette-Gingras emphasized the organic and bipartisan nature of the current movement, expressing confidence in the possibility of another referendum in the near future. She highlighted that the push for independence is increasingly seen as a solution to urgent issues like the climate crisis.
The march brought together a diverse group, including young students, participants from past referendums, and politicians like Manon Massé and Ruba Ghazal from Québec Solidaire. The crowd echoed chants of “Le Québec un pays” (Quebec a country), underscoring their collective desire for independence.
Students Laure Fateux and Olivia Bégin from Cégep du Vieux Montréal remarked on the strong sovereigntist sentiment among their peers. They stressed the importance of Quebec preserving its cultural identity and history through independence.
Leonard Vidal, another student at the college, viewed independence as a means for Quebec to break free from what he described as the colonial grip of the Canadian government. Similarly, Catherine Lamoureux-Schmidt from L’Université du Québec à Montréal supported the idea of Quebec becoming a sovereign nation, advocating for a respectful relationship with First Nations.
Both students are part of a growing coalition of student groups advocating for Quebec’s independence, which has expanded significantly in a short time. They emphasized the non-partisan nature of their movement and the importance of listening to all voices, including First Nations.
Many participants expressed hope for another referendum in their lifetime, believing it is crucial for the public to have a say in Quebec’s future. While Quebec Liberal Party Leader Pablo Rodriguez acknowledged the viability of an independent Quebec, he raised concerns about the economic challenges such a transition could pose, citing potential impacts on trade agreements and economic standing.