The 1995 Quebec referendum on sovereignty

Quebec Referendum

How did international actors (both of the territorial and non-territorial kind) shape the 1995 referendum?

International actors had an impact on the 1995 Quebec referendum by helping to illustrate the potential benefits and losses for the province if it were to become independent. In the case of territorial countries, the U.S. had a major influence based upon the fact that they had signed a free trade agreement with Canada and Mexico in 1993. At the same time, they were Canada's largest trading partner.

These variables had an effect on the vote, as an independent Quebec would not be able to compete on the world markets. This would make it more difficult for them to import different products with the implementation of trade barriers. When this happened, it could have a negative impact on the local economy and lead to an increase in inflation. Moreover, Canada had signed a mutual defense treaty with the U.S. And was a member of NATO. If Quebec was to become independent, they would have to renegotiate these agreements all over again. This creates the possibility that they may or may not receive the military assistance it needs. As, any kind of supplies will have to be flown over Canadian and U.S. airspace.

In the case of non-territorial actors, both Great Britain and France played a role in referendum. This occurred largely between those individuals who spoke English vs. French as their dominant language. In the case of English speaking demographics, they felt that Quebec had close cultural ties to Canada and Great Britain. This meant that if it were to break away, the province would be unable to adapt, in being caught between two different worlds. While those who spoke French; felt that they had a deep cultural connection to France. They believed that Canada and Britain were imposing their way of life upon them by destroying their culture and traditions they had embraced for centuries. If Quebec was to become an independent nation, it would enable it become closer with France.

These factors are showing how economics, territorial access, military alliances and cultural considerations from territorial / non-territorial actors shaped the long-term effects of the referendum on the province. This meant that there would be lasting benefits and consequences if Quebec was to become an independent nation. Depending upon how this was interpreted, these countries influenced the outcome by illustrating the way it would help or hinder it over the long-term.

Why did both the 'Yes' and 'No' side seek support from the international community during the referendum campaign?

The yes side wanted to seek support from the international community to show how they were a provenience of Canada. That was not allowed to determine for themselves what was best for everyone. They believed that this was a part of the traditions of colonialism which extended back to the Europeans. In this case, Quebec was traded between France and Great Britain. Once Canada became an independent country, they were not allowed to have their own form of self-determination. Instead, Quebec was forced to remain within a political block based upon boundaries that were set under colonialism. Any kind of support by the international community; would show how Quebec was standing up to this for its rights and encourage citizens to accept their freedom.

The no side wanted support from the international community by demonstrating how any kind of secession would have been disastrous for Quebec. This is because, it was already integrated into Canada and receiving a percentage of the wealth from the vast natural reserves in the Western part of the country. At the same time, the United States may have been reluctant to have similar trade relations. This meant that they would have to start all over from the beginning by forging relationships with U.S. And other countries.