Referendum that refuses to retire

The result was excruciatingly close: 30 years ago, in a referendum on Quebec’s independence, 50.6% of people voted “no”, and 49.4 chose “yes” - an outcome that left Canada whole.

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But the mass of devoted separatists who rallied in Montreal this month insist the fight for an independent Quebec is gaining momentum again, after a period of stalled progress.

“Quebec’s culture is disappearing,” said 20-year-old Zachary Cyr, who was among the crowd of separatist supporters clad in deep blue, chanting and singing through the streets of Montreal.

His friend, Gabriel Paradis-Fortin, agreed, saying “English always dominates”, with French speaking in decline.

“We want to be able to speak French to our children in 40 years,” added Paradis-Fortin, also 20.