As baby boomers (Quebecers born between 1945 and 1965), we were witnesses and actors of the Quiet Revolution. We have also benefited greatly from its spin-offs, particularly in the areas of education and employment. This period of effervescence, which made it possible to make up for the socio-economic backwardness of Quebec, whetted our appetite, since we aspired to make it a country. The referendums of 1980 and 1995 unfortunately failed, the last on the verge of victory. If the first left us on a note of hope — one thinks of the comforting words of René Lévesque on the evening of the referendum — the second was truly heartbreaking.
Our generation has been the bearer of an admirable project which has mobilized our energies for decades. We had an unshakeable faith in the advantages of Quebec independence. Unfortunately, following the failure of the 1995 referendum, we dropped this project, believing that it was now up to future generations to carry it out or hoping that an exceptional event would relaunch the project. What a mistake ! Our national project is not the prerogative of one, but of all generations, including ours. How to convince the younger generations to take up the torch if we let it fall. What a bad message we sent to them. We have not been able to transmit our ideal to them. So much so that young people seem indifferent to the future of Quebec, their homeland. It’s high time to roll up our sleeves and get back to work. Not in the comfort of our homes, but on the ground, where the future of our nation is being played out.
For most of us, retirement has taken over the plan we have cherished for decades. So much so that, from retired separatists, we have become retirees of independence. Some of us continue to actively militate. We must bow before their admirable devotion. But this is so little compared to the challenge to be met. Certainly, the national project has not left us, far from it. However, we avoid approaching it so as not to open a wound that is slow to heal. Independence pensioners that we are must come out of their reserve.
Our generation is entering the twilight of its life. We are in a good position to assess the enormous harm that the failure of 1995 caused our people. It is high time to take up the torch and commit to defending and promoting this option in the time available to us. This is the greatest legacy we can give to our children and grandchildren. It would be disastrous to decline this responsibility.
Let us act now so that future generations do not blame us for our negligence or indifference. Let us make a symbolic gesture to signify that we have not forgotten, that the national question is still close to our hearts, that we firmly believe that Quebec’s accession to independence would better serve the interests of Quebecers. Let us take care that the twilight of our generation is also that of the Quebec nation.