October 26, 1995
Web posted at: 2:30 p.m. EDT (1830 GMT)
From Correspondent Ed Garsten
MONTREAL, Quebec (CNN) -- A close vote is expected in Monday's referendum on Quebec independence from Canada. Polls show residents of the mostly French-speaking province are almost evenly divided on the issue, with separatists having a slight lead. In hopes of preventing Quebec, with a quarter of Canada's population, from seceding, Prime Minister Jean Chretien demanded national television time Wednesday to plead against separation. "Don't let anyone take away what we have accomplished (95K AIFF sound or 95K WAV sound)," said Chretien, himself a Quebecker.
Chretien warned Quebeckers that if they voted to pull out of
Canada, their decision would be irreversible and a "very
dangerous gamble (118K AIFF sound or 118K WAV sound) ." Describing the province as having a
distinct culture, Chretien said it is still possible for both
French- and English-speakers to live together and he repeated
a promise that no constitutional changes affecting Quebec
would be made without its consent.
"Liar, liar" responded thousands of shouting separatists
watching Chretien's speech on huge television screens at a
rally near Montreal. Separatist leader Lucien Bouchard, who
appeared on national television after Chretien, also scoffed
at the prime minister's promises, calling them too little,
too late. The only route to positive change, he said, is
through independence. Quebec, he said, would then negotiate
an economic and political partnership with Canada.
With just a few days left in the campaign and the polls so
close, each side knows every vote could make the difference
between a united Canada or a bitter divorce.
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