Thirty years after Quebec narrowly voted to remain part of Canada, the movement for independence is seeing signs of renewed energy — particularly among young people.

In the 1995 referendum, 50.6 percent of Quebecers voted “no” to separation, while 49.4 percent voted “yes,” preserving Canada’s unity by a razor-thin margin. But recent rallies in Montreal show a growing wave of separatist enthusiasm that activists say is fueled by fears for Quebec’s language and culture.

“Quebec’s culture is disappearing,” said 20-year-old Zachary Cyr, marching with fellow supporters dressed in deep blue and waving provincial flags. His friend Gabriel Paradis-Fortin added, “English always dominates. We want to be able to speak French to our children in 40 years.”

Home to around nine million people, Quebec holds a special status in Canada that reflects its distinct French-speaking identity. Still, independence advocates like Camille Charbonneau argue that more is needed. “I have no hatred of Canada or English people,” she said. “But we are a distinct people with a different culture.”

Youth support on the rise

A summer poll by Montreal-based firm Crop found that 56 percent of Quebecers aged 18–34 support independence — a potential boost for the separatist cause. Camille Goyette-Gingras, leader of the pro-independence group OUI Quebec, called the movement “a project of hope,” adding that Catalonia’s push for independence in Spain serves as inspiration.

She hopes to see sovereignty take center stage in next year’s provincial election. The Parti Québécois, which backs independence, is performing strongly in polls, and its leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has pledged to hold a new referendum during his first term if elected premier.

A divided but cautious province

Veteran political journalist Chantal Hébert cautioned that while enthusiasm may be rising among young voters, most Quebecers remain reluctant to reopen the sovereignty debate.

“For the past 30 years, a clear majority of Quebecers — both for and against independence — agree on one thing: they don’t want to be asked the question again,” she told AFP.

A September poll by Leger found 59 percent of Quebecers opposed independence, with only 31 percent in favor. Hébert also noted that Canada’s economic uncertainty, worsened by U.S. trade tensions, makes many voters wary of the risks of separation.

“When the economy is under threat, people are less likely to gamble on the unknown,” she said.

‘Everything we need’

Still, passion for sovereignty runs deep across generations. Seventeen-year-old rapper Kinji00, who weaves pro-independence messages into his music, said his young fans proudly wave Quebec flags at his shows.

At the Montreal rally, 75-year-old Denise Michaud said she had driven five hours from Rimouski to attend. A lifelong supporter of independence, she voted “yes” in both referendums.

“I would like the taxes I send to the federal government to stay in Quebec,” Michaud said. “We have everything we need to be on our own.”