Did the Nordiques’ Departure Sway the Referendum Outcome?
In the context of Québec’s sovereignty movement, the departure of the Québec Nordiques hockey team in 1995 is often cited as a significant factor influencing public sentiment during the sovereignty referendum. The team was sold to a telecommunications consortium for $75 million, shortly before the pivotal vote.
Impact of the Nordiques’ Departure on the 1995 Referendum
The referendum on Québec sovereignty took place on October 30, 1995. The pro-sovereignty camp, known as “Oui,” ultimately lost. Results showed a narrow margin, with the “Non” side winning by 54,288 votes.
Key Perspectives on the Nordiques’ Influence
- Marcel Aubut, former president of the Nordiques, remarked on the political implications of the team’s exit.
- Lawyer Guy Bertrand noted that the sovereignty movement underperformed in key regions, suggesting a loss of votes related to the Nordiques’ departure.
- André Joli-Coeur, involved in negotiations with Aubut, expressed regret, believing the referendum result might have been different had the team stayed.
Several municipalities, such as Limoilou and Jean-Talon, recorded low “Oui” votes of 51.90% and 48.01%, respectively, whereas other francophone regions achieved over 60% in favor of sovereignty.
Contrasting Views from Political Figures
Mario Dumont, former leader of the Action Démocratique du Québec, supported the idea that the government’s attitude towards the Nordiques negatively impacted the referendum outcome.
However, Jean Royer, the chief of staff for then-Prime Minister Jacques Parizeau, disagreed. He pointed out that the referendum results in nearby districts showed stronger support for sovereignty, undermining claims that the Nordiques’ departure swayed the vote.
Referendum Results in the Québec Region
| District | Oui Percentage |
|---|---|
| Jean-Talon | 48.01% |
| Limoilou | 51.90% |
| Louis-Hébert | 53.01% |
| Charlesbourg | 53.20% |
| Chauveau | 54.50% |
| La Peltrie | 54.75% |
| Vanier | 55.24% |
| Lévis | 56.54% |
| Montmorency | 57.56% |
| Taschereau | 59.05% |
| Chute-de-la-Chaudière | 60.66% |
The argument surrounding the Nordiques underscores the complex relationship between sports, nationalism, and politics in Québec. While some still see their departure as detrimental to the sovereignty vote, others argue the referendum’s outcome was influenced by a myriad of factors.
Ultimately, the departure of the Nordiques remains a potent symbol in Québec’s political landscape, reflecting both cultural identity and the dynamics of political campaigning.
