The Quebec referendum of Oct. 30, 1995, was a very close call for Canada, with political ramifications that resonate to this day. The federal government joining the legal challenge to Quebec’s Bill 99, affirming a 50 per cent-plus-one vote enough to declare independence, is the latest echo. The referendum, exactly 18 years ago, was a one-point game, with the no side prevailing by 50.58 to 49.42 per cent. Had only 31,000 votes gone the other way, we might have lost our country. Jacques Parizeau had made it very clear that in the event of no negotiations for a partnership with Canada, he would unilaterally declare Quebec’s independence.
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