De Gaulle’s ‘Vive le Quebec libre!’ haunts Canada

The “us versus them” mentality is baked into Quebec’s political psyche. With all the uncertainty in the world today, it’s not that difficult for Quebec’s separatist-minded politicians to whip up those feelings, which is why nationalism could easily resurface as a political force.

Quebec's nationalist spirit seems to be stirring, as seen by the pro-sovereigntist Parti Québécois' lead in provincial polls and their win in three recent byelections, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Opinion

BY GERRY NICHOLLS

August 25, 2025

OAKVILLE, ONT. - Back in 1967, then-French president Charles De Gaulle committed one of the greatest acts of mischief in Canadian history, with consequences that still haunt us to this very day.

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