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Voters in favour of the sovereignty-association supported the cause with a passion rooted in their Québécois identity. In fall 1979, in preparation for the referendum campaign, the Parti Québécois set up “Oui” committees. It also focused on recruiting supporters of sovereignty.
1980 - 1980

The 1980 referendum

On May 20, 1980, René Lévesque’s Parti Québécois government asked the residents of Quebec to vote on the constitutional future of the province. The 80-word referendum question presented the option of “sovereignty-association.” At the end of an emotion- and debate-filled campaign that sometimes divided families and friends, the verdict was in: The “Non” won with almost 60% of the votes. The vote against sovereignty-association predominated in the Québec City area, except in the Louis-Hébert riding represented by Minister Claude Morin. Do you have any memories of the 1980 referendum?

Supporters of the “Oui” vote in 1980

Auteur inconnu Voters in favour of the sovereignty-association supported the cause with a passion rooted in their Québécois identity. In fall 1979, in preparation for the referendum campaign, the Parti Québécois set up “Oui” committees. It also focused on recruiting supporters of sovereignty.
Chronoscope What feelings or thoughts does this photo evoke for you? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Ville de Québec All rights reserved: Ville de Québec - Le Soleil Fonds - Date: 1980