In the lead-up to the tense 1995 Quebec referendum that almost fractured the nation, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien advised his ministers to remain composed. Chrétien, anticipating a potential Quebec separation vote, instructed his cabinet not to panic or make hasty decisions if independence was chosen.
Newly revealed federal cabinet minutes shed light on the shift in discussions as Canada faced a critical moment in its history. The documents, obtained through access to information laws, provide insight into the behind-the-scenes actions during the unity crisis, showcasing a campaign that veered off course suddenly.
Days before the referendum on October 30, Chrétien announced his plan to take a more prominent role in the campaign during a meeting on October 24. Initially, federal officials had kept a low profile, allowing the Quebec Liberal leader to lead. However, as the federalist campaign faced challenges and saw its lead diminish, Chrétien urged his cabinet to remain level-headed and assured them of his upcoming televised address to the nation.
Contrary to previous meetings where Chrétien questioned the likelihood of an independence vote, the minutes from the October 24 gathering highlighted his shift in approach. Ultimately, the federalists narrowly clinched victory in the referendum with 50.58% of the vote, prompting Chrétien to remind his ministers to project positivity and view the outcome as a win for Canada.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Sheila Copps credited Chrétien’s intervention for preserving national unity, emphasizing the crucial role he played. The referendum campaign officially commenced on October 2, following earlier unofficial activities. Leading up to the campaign, Chrétien’s directive to his cabinet remained consistent: maintain composure and refrain from overreacting.
As the referendum question was unveiled and the campaign intensified, Chrétien’s confidence in a “No” victory remained steadfast. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the referendum’s outcome, Chrétien’s involvement and strategic decisions helped steer the federalist campaign towards success.
While Chrétien was unavailable for comment on the disclosed minutes, it is evident that his leadership during the critical referendum period was instrumental in securing Canada’s unity. The impact of Chrétien’s actions in the eleventh hour remains a topic of discussion, with varying perspectives on how his intervention influenced the outcome of the referendum.