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"No" side wins in Quebec referendum
The referendum of 1980 ends in a victory for the "no" side, mostly due to promises by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau to "renew the constitution." Hudon, R. "Quebec Referendum (1980)." Canadian Encyclopedia, 6 May 2017, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/en/article/quebec-referendum-1980/. -
Quebec Rejects Constitution
After a bitter fight, and many closed-door negotiations, including the infamous "Kitchen accord," the 8 provinces opposing the constitution dwindle to 1: Quebec. Premier René Levesque feels betrayed, and the separatist movement gains some powerful ammunition. Shepard, Robert. "Patriation of the Constitution." Canadian Encyclopedia, 13 April 2015, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/en/article/patriation-of-the-constitution/. -
Meech Lake Accord Fails
To prevent another independence referendum, and win Quebec's support for the constitution, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney drafts the "Meech Lake Accord," which recognized Quebec as a "distinct society." However, the motion fails. Gall, Gerald L. “Meech Lake Accord.” Canadian Encyclopedia, 3 Apr. 2015, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/en/article/meech-lake-accord/. -
Charlottetown Accord Fails
After the failure of the Meech Lake accord, the Mulroney government attempts again to get Quebec's to consent to the constitution. However, it fails after being put to a nation-wide referendum. The majority of Québécois vote against it. With no resolution to the constitutional issue, separatism in Quebec reaches a fever pitch.
Gall, Gerald L. “Charlottetown Accord.” Canadian Encyclopedia, 7 Feb. 2015, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/en/article/the-charlottetown-accord/. -
Parti Québécois Elected in Québec
Québéc voters show their willingness to attempt another independence referendum by electing the Parti Quebecois, a separatist party, to the provincial legislature with a strong majority. Premier Jacques Parizeau announces that a referendum will be held in 1995 to decide the issue of Québéc sovereignty. Clinton Archibald and Maude-Emanuelle Lambert. "Parti Québécois." Canadian Encyclopedia, 1 Nov. 2016, "https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/parti-quebecois/." -
Period: to
Referendum Campaign
At the beginning of the campaign, the "No" side, which opposed separation, had a strong lead in the polls. As the campaign went on, the "Yes" side gained momentum, until it was a nearly 50/50 split. Gall, Gerald L. “Quebec Referendum (1995).” Canadian Encyclopedia, 3 Apr. 2015, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/en/article/quebec-referendum-1995/. -
Prime Minister Chretien makes promises to Quebec, to convince them to remain in Canada
Prime Minister Chretien promises that if Quebec votes no, he will take steps to recognize it as a "distinct society" in Canada, and promises it a veto on any constitutional changes. Gall, Gerald L. “Quebec Referendum (1995).” Canadian Encyclopedia, 3 Apr. 2015, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/en/article/quebec-referendum-1995/. -
Prime Minister Chretien keeps his promise
Chretien forms a special cabinet to create a new constitutional proposal. The proposal recognizes Quebec as a "distinct society," and gives it a veto over all future constitutional changes. The proposal is adopted by parliament and puts an end to any more constitution-based separatist attempts by Quebec.
Gall, Gerald L. “Quebec Referendum (1995).” Canadian Encyclopedia, 3 Apr. 2015, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/en/article/quebec-referendum-1995/. -
The Referendum is held
With 50.58% of the vote, the "No" side claims a narrow victory, and Quebec remains a part of Canada. Premier Jacques Parizeau resigns, and Lucien Bouchard takes over the Parti Québécois, having announced his intention to hold another referendum in 1997. Gall, Gerald L. “Quebec Referendum (1995).” Canadian Encyclopedia, 3 Apr. 2015, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/en/article/quebec-referendum-1995/. -
Supreme Court Rules Quebec doesn't have the right to Secede
To put an end, once and for all, to the series of referendums, the Supreme court of Canada rules that Quebec doesn't have the right to unilaterally secede from Canada. Instead, they say, that should a clear majority of Quebecers vote in favour of independence, Canadians would have to "enter negotiations." Gall, Gerald L. “Quebec Referendum (1995).” Canadian Encyclopedia, 3 Apr. 2015, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/en/article/quebec-referendum-1995/. -
Parti Quebecois relected
The separatist Parti Quebecois was re-elected in 2012, and leader Pauline Marois became Premier. The question of separatism had largely been on the back-burner, during a series of Liberal governments. However, since the PQ had a minority government, they didn't propose a referendum.
Clinton Archibald and Maude-Emanuelle Lambert. "Parti Québécois." Canadian Encyclopedia, 1 Nov. 2016, "https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/parti-quebecois/." -
Parti Quebecois introduces "Charter of Values"
The real issue driving the referendums was a question that is fundamental to our Canadian society: How do you preserve culture in a multi-cultural society? In the political climate of 2012, separatism was no longer the answer, because anglophones were no longer the biggest perceived threat to culture. Instead, immigration was changing how Quebec looked and acted. In 2013, the PQ introduced a "Charter of Values," that was designed to preserve Quebec culture, by enforcing strict secularism.