Opinion: 30 years later, lessons from Quebec's referendum

October 30 marks 30 years since the 1995 referendum on sovereignty that is widely regarded as one of the most important events in Quebec political history. For those of us old enough to remember, what likely stood out most on that day was the feeling of anxiety as the results came in, which ultimately saw the No (federalist) side narrowly defeat the Yes (sovereignty) option.

For many, however, the most vivid memory was the immediate aftermath, with the inflammatory remarks made by premier Jacques Parizeau blaming “money and ethnic votes” for the defeat, adding that 60 per cent of “who we are” voted for sovereignty.

The premier’s public rebuke of the so-called ethnic votes contrasted sharply with a message he published only a few days before in selected Quebec media. “The morning after Oc