Hundreds of residents of Montreal took to the streets on Saturday, expressing their aspirations for Quebec to achieve independence in the future. The march, which passed through the downtown area, was organized ahead of the upcoming 30th anniversary of the 1995 referendum set for October 30.
Camille Goyette-Gingras, who serves as the president of OUI Québec, a key participant in the rally, noted a growing involvement of young individuals in the movement. She highlighted that the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, views independence as a means to drive systemic change.
In the 1995 referendum, federalists secured a narrow victory with 50.58% of the votes. The Parti Québécois (PQ) also called for a referendum in 1980, receiving 40.44% support. With the PQ leading in the polls ahead of the next provincial election, there is optimism within the party for a potential third referendum by 2030.
Goyette-Gingras emphasized the grassroots and bipartisan nature of the current movement, expressing confidence in the possibility of another referendum in the coming years. Many young participants believe that independence could address critical issues like the climate crisis.
The march saw a diverse group of participants, including college and university students, as well as supporters of past referendums. Various political figures, such as Manon Massé and Ruba Ghazal of Québec Solidaire, joined the crowd in chanting slogans affirming Quebec as a distinct nation.
Student activists, including Laure Fateux and Olivia Bégin from Cégep du Vieux Montréal, highlighted the prevalent support for sovereignty among their peers. They stressed the importance of Quebec preserving its culture, language, and history through independence.
Leonard Vidal, another student, expressed the view that Quebec’s independence is necessary to break away from what he described as a “colonial, petroleum state” imposed by the Canadian government. Similarly, Catherine Lamoureux-Schmidt from L’Université du Québec à Montréal advocated for a free Quebec, emphasizing the coalition’s growth in student support.
Lamoureux-Schmidt also emphasized the need for a respectful relationship with First Nations in Quebec, emphasizing the importance of listening to their perspectives in the independence movement. Many attendees anticipate the possibility of a future referendum, underscoring the desire for self-determination and control over Quebec’s destiny.
Pablo Rodriguez, the Quebec Liberal Party Leader, discussed the viability of an independent Quebec at the party’s assembly in Trois-Rivières. He echoed concerns about potential economic challenges, highlighting the need to renegotiate trade agreements if Quebec were to become independent.