If a 3rd referendum were to take place today, the youth would vote yes.
Based on the crop survey that took place in August of 2025, 56% of the survey’s 1000 respondents between the ages of 18 and 34 would be in favor of sovereignty.
These statistics show that young people have recently stood out from the rest of Quebec’s population. In fact, sovereignty’s popularity in the entire population is at 35% and has been at that rate in the past 25 years.
Why has it become more popular among young people now? Is it due to the complicated political situation Canada has had with the United States recently? Or does it have something to do with the 30 years of the second referendum?
Some articles that address the subject suggest that it has something to do with the fact that today’s generation simply didn’t live that moment and doesn’t know what a referendum implies.
A recent documentary made on the 30 years of 1995’s referendum reflects the heartbreaking impacts this important day in Quebec’s history had on the whole population. In other words, the ones who lived that day 30 years ago would be less tempted to relive a 3rd referendum today since the second one was such an upsetting and emotionally draining moment for both sides of the battle. That would explain the drop in popularity in the last 25 years in the general population.
Finally, what are the real arguments among the young people on Quebec’s sovereignty?
The documentary shows their point of view:
The ones in favor of sovereignty think that since Quebec already has its own language and culture, it should be recognized as a nation in its own right.
On the opposite side, the ones against sovereignty think Canada is as big of a part of our identity as Quebec and don’t feel like independence is necessary.
The 2nd referendum on Quebec’s sovereignty marked an important event that could’ve completely changed Quebec’s history. It was organized in 1995 by Jacques Parizeau, the head of Parti Quebecois, elected the previous year. With a participation rate of 93,52% of the population, the results were tight. Until the very last moment, the ‘yes’ camp thought for sure they were going to win. But the opposite side finally won with 50,58%.
