Hundreds of residents of Montreal gathered for a march in the city on Saturday, expressing their aspirations for Quebec’s independence. The event took place in anticipation of the upcoming 30th anniversary of the 1995 referendum on October 30.
Camille Goyette-Gingras, the president of OUI Québec, a key organizer of the rally, noted a growing involvement of young people in the movement. She highlighted that the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, sees independence as a crucial step towards achieving systemic change.
Although federalists narrowly won the 1995 referendum with a 50.58% majority, the Parti Québécois, currently leading in polls ahead of the next provincial election, remains optimistic about a potential third referendum by 2030.
Goyette-Gingras emphasized the grassroots nature of the movement, expressing confidence in the potential for another referendum in the near future, noting a surge in momentum. Many young participants view independence as a solution to pressing issues such as the climate crisis.
The march saw a mix of college and university students, alongside individuals who had participated in past referendums. Politicians from Québec Solidaire, including MNAs Manon Massé and Ruba Ghazal, joined the crowd, supporting the calls for Quebec’s sovereignty.
Student attendees from Cégep du Vieux Montréal expressed strong support for Quebec’s independence, citing cultural preservation as a key motivation. The sentiment was echoed by students from L’Université du Québec à Montréal, who highlighted the growth of a non-partisan student coalition advocating for Quebec’s independence.
Advocates emphasized the importance of a nation-to-nation relationship with First Nations in Quebec and anticipated a future referendum vote. Quebec Liberal Party Leader Pablo Rodriguez raised concerns about the economic implications of independence, cautioning about potential challenges in economic standing and trade agreements post-independence.
