Since the Quebec election of October 2022, the signs of the rise of the independence option in public opinion have multiplied in an evocative way. The increase in support for the Parti Québécois (PQ) is very real, but, above all, support for independence is at its highest level in ten years. At 41% for independence, we have reached a level of support similar to that at the start of 1995.
This rise of the sovereignist movement is multifactorial: the bitter failure of the CAQ third way explains part of it. The sincere and transparent approach, too, of the Parti Québécois and its leader, which generates confidence and hope, is proudly driven by a new generation fully assuming its option.
Nevertheless, the most surprising aspect of this new cycle, which we hope will be the last, is this rise in the federalist argument which, to our great surprise, seems frozen in time, anachronistic and repetitive.
The most recent example is the text by André Pratte — who seems to claim intellectual leadership of the No camp — published in The duty last Friday, February 16. He cleverly explains to us that Quebecers are afraid of referendums because they threaten social peace, that they are “extremely emotional debates”, that “friendships were broken” in 1995. He reminds us of the importance to focus on “concrete problems”, such as the dysfunction of public services and the shortage of housing.
Let us raise eyebrows, first of all, at the mention of the fact that we can consider the right of a people to self-determination as being a frivolous, secondary subject.
History contradicts the No camp
Since 1917, Quebecers have been called to the polls in seven national referendums. Among these, there were certainly those concerning sovereignty, but also on equally polarizing subjects, such as conscription. Moreover, Mr. Pratte’s Quebec Liberal Party itself called referendums aimed at the demerger of municipalities. These referendums also invited people to emotional discussions.
However, on these occasions, Quebec shone by example: we are among the nations which have approached these subjects with the most civic-mindedness and the greatest propensity for social peace. This should be synonymous with great national pride. No shame, as Mr. Pratte suggests.
Yes, decide democratically about our future…
What the No camp does not seem to have assessed is that in 2026, more than 57% of the Quebec population will never have had the opportunity to express themselves on independence. In fact, all Quebecers aged 48 and under will be having their first referendum experience. How can we confiscate from these citizens the possibility of voting on independence without it becoming an intergenerational injustice and, above all, a democratic injustice?
Many of us under 46 see what Canada had in store for Quebec after the No victory in 1995: linguistic and cultural decline, underfunding of health, non-respect of Quebec’s skills, the lack of respect for the democratic will of Quebec on fundamental issues such as the environment, culture, or immigration, in particular.
It is likely that, when Quebecers are called to the polls on the question of independence, the arguments of fear, like a scratched record, will be ineffective in the face of the prospect that the Yes camp will offer of finally resolving these problems, and of build a country in our image.
When we decide, the hope for a better society that will meet the individual and collective aspirations of our nation will be a powerful message.
At the end of this democratic exercise, we bet that Quebecers will be proud to have made their voice heard, but that they will be all the more happy to have dared to go towards the country, towards independent Quebec.