CANADA'S KHALISTAN
What is Quebec's mood - to stay with Canada or independence?
The sovereignty demand in Quebec -- the French-speaking province of Canada-- is an old one. In October 1995, the Quebec Referendum gave a razor thin majority to the "No" side ie Quebecers decided to stay with Canada. But the demand for Quebec's sovereignty continues to be part of Canada's political ecosystem. Where do Quebecers stand now?
Amidst the growing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Indian politicians such as Bharatiya Janata Party's Baiyanat Jay Panda have brought back the focus on the Quebec Referendum. They are arguing that if Canada allows anti-India activities in the name of freedom of expression and keeps on supporting the Khalistani elements, then India should also welcome those pushing for the independence of Quebec.
The French-speaking province of Canada has a history of sustained political movement seeking its sovereignty. In October 1995, the Quebec Referendum for its sovereignty was defeated by an extremely narrow margin. But has the mood of this Canadian province changed in the past 28 years?
The Quebec Referendum: To stay or leave Canada?
Quebec sends the second highest parliamentarians to Canada's House of Commons. While the governing Liberal party has 35 MPs from this province, Bloc Québécois -- a political party which has been fighting for the cause of Quebec's sovereignty -- has 32 of 78 elected MPs from the province.
The results of the October 30, 1995 Referendum continue to hold its importance.
In the 1995 Referendum, the voting was carried out in 125 electoral divisions of Quebec. With 93.52% voter turnout, a total 47, 57, 509 votes were cast in this referendum.
With little over 54,000 votes, the Referendum for Quebec's sovereignty was defeated. While 23, 08,360 votes were cast in favour of Quebec's sovereignty, 2,362,648 votes were cast for NO option.
In June 2022, Mainstreet Research -- Canada’s one of the prominent public opinion and market research firm -- had conducted a survey poll on Quebec's sovereignty. Nearly 33 per cent of respondents voted in favour of independence, while 67% of respondents said Quebec should remain part of Canada.
As per the Politico -- one of the prominent news platforms of North America region -- the Mainstreet Research's 2021 polls on Quebec had similar results. It had also reported that Leger 360's survey poll conducted in December 2020 on the Quebec's independence had given identical numbers.
Leger 360 claims to be one of the biggest Canadian market research and analytics company. The latest survey poll on Quebec's independence conducted by Leger had raised the hopes of those with sovereignty movement.
As per Leger's February 2023 survey while 33 per cent Quebecers voted for independence, those in favour of staying with Canada were 51%. Around 10% voters chose either not to answer and opted for "don't know".
It is the drop in respondents choosing to stay with Canada which might have raised the hopes of the Quebec sovereignty movement.
Meanwhile, back in India, it is politicians such as BJP VP Panda who are poking Canada by reminding them about the Quebec sovereignty movement.
"In the spirit of friendship with Canada, we in India must consider facilitating an online referendum on the Quebec independence issue (in gratitude for their allowing Khalistani separatists to try the same on Canadian soil), Panda wrote on the microblogging site X.
Panda while speaking to India Today said, "Canada also has separatist movements -- the most prominent of which is Quebec.
If they give shelter to terrorists who orchestrate violence against Indians and against Canadians also for a separatist movement. My sarcastic tweet was that we should return this friendly gesture of sorts."
Panda referred to the media reports like the one published in Politico claiming that "the polling numbers show a greater support for the Quebec to split from Canada and become independent. But they are not currently allowing referendum".
He further added -- with a smile on his face -- this is the reason he suggested that there are many Indians who can facilitate an online referendum for the cause.
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