Hundreds of Montreal residents took to the streets on Saturday, expressing their aspirations for Quebec’s independence. The march in downtown Montreal preceded the upcoming 30th anniversary of the 1995 referendum scheduled for October 30.
Camille Goyette-Gingras, the president of OUI Québec, a key organizer of the event, noted a growing involvement of young people in the movement for independence. She highlighted the youth’s desire for systemic change, viewing independence as a solution to their concerns.
In the 1995 referendum, federalists narrowly secured victory with 50.58% of the vote. The Parti Québécois previously called for a referendum in 1980, receiving 40.44% support. With the party leading in the polls ahead of the next provincial election, there is optimism for a potential third referendum by 2030.
Goyette-Gingras emphasized the grassroots, non-partisan nature of the current movement, expressing confidence in the prospect of another referendum in the near future. Many young participants view independence as a means to address urgent issues like the climate crisis.
During the march, students from various educational institutions, including those who participated in past referendums, joined in solidarity. Political figures like Manon Massé and Ruba Ghazal from Québec Solidaire also participated, echoing calls for Quebec’s sovereignty.
Students like Laure Fateux and Olivia Bégin from Cégep du Vieux Montréal highlighted the prevalence of sovereigntist sentiments among their peers. They emphasized the importance of Quebec’s independence in preserving its cultural heritage and identity.
Leonard Vidal, another student, expressed the view that independence is essential for Quebec to break free from what he described as the Canadian government’s colonial influence. Catherine Lamoureux-Schmidt, a student at L’Université du Québec à Montréal, echoed these sentiments, advocating for Quebec’s nationhood.
They are part of a growing coalition of student groups across Quebec advocating for independence, emphasizing their non-partisan approach. Lamoureux-Schmidt underscored the importance of a respectful “nation-to-nation” relationship with Quebec’s First Nations in the pursuit of sovereignty.
Many participants, including Lamoureux-Schmidt, anticipate a future referendum, emphasizing the need to revisit the question of Quebec’s independence. They aspire to shape their own destiny and have a say in the future of their province.
In a contrasting view, Quebec Liberal Party Leader Pablo Rodriguez, speaking at the party’s assembly in Trois-Rivières, acknowledged the viability of an independent Quebec but cautioned about economic challenges. He highlighted potential economic implications, such as renegotiating trade agreements, in the event of independence.