The idea of separation is at the top of Canada’s political conversation, with a looming independence referendum in Alberta expected this fall. In Quebec, sovereigntists are watching closely. “What’s going to concern us is the way that the Mark Carney government is going to act towards Alberta because it’s going to signify a lot also for the independence movement in Quebec,” said Oui Quebec president Camille Goyette-Gingras. The non-partisan independence group leader says she supports the route that some Albertans wish to take, after around 300,000 people signed a petition demanding a separation referendum. However, after the province failed to consult Indigenous groups, whose land would be affected, Goyette-Gingras says consultation is key. “We’ve done a large consultation of civil groups, like private companies, unions, groups in health care, etcetera, and they have this strong wish for a big like a quiet revolution,” she said. “People have the feeling that they have no impact on the status quo.” She says the movement is about Quebecers taking their power back. Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barette was asked about the process of an independence referendum in Quebec. “The decision in Quebec is based on Bill 99, and the question of autonomy in Quebec, of the constitutional position in Quebec, will only be decided by Quebecers,” he said. Constitutional lawyer Frederic Berard says constitutional law has become more complex, adding that there’s a lot more for Quebec to consider since its last referendum in 1995. “There’s a big change since 1998 in international law and constitutional law in Canada, as well toward more respect for the First Nations,” he said. “We need to keep that in mind. That is clearly a game changer.” In Quebec, the Parti Québécois has promised to hold a referendum if elected in October.
