In Limoilou, a neighborhood near Old Quebec, there were few signs of support for independence: no flags, no "oui" signs. Candidates heard concerns about food prices, trade war, and cannabis, not secession.
The Parti Québécois, which held two failed referendums, vows a third if it wins Monday's election. Polls favor it despite low support for independence. François Bonneau, 69, voted for independence in 1980 and 1995 but now believes "if we're together, it makes us stronger."
The party leads due to voter fatigue after eight years of the Coalition Avenir Québec under Christine Fréchette. Éric Bélanger, a political scientist at Mc Gill University, says the referendum is a "ball and chain" limiting their potential. Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, 49, explicitly calls for a referendum after President Trump leaves office.
Polls show about 30 percent support independence, near historic lows. In 1995, just under half voted "yes." Richard Thurber, 78, a lifelong supporter, says it's "our last chance" as young people and immigrants are uninterested. The movement, rooted in French Québécois history, faces an uphill battle.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing