Canadians Stage Rallies To Dissuade Quebeckers From Voting For Secession

Canadians coast to coast organized vigils, concerts and rallies Thursday in a last-ditch effort to dissuade Quebeckers from voting for secession next week in a referendum that could fracture the nation.

Tens of thousands of people were expected in downtown Montreal today for a unity rally that could rank as one of the biggest political demonstrations in Canadian history. Scores of buses were chartered in other provinces, and many flights to Montreal were sold out as Canada’s two biggest airlines offered sharply discounted “unity fares.”

In Ontario, the provincial legislature drafted a resolution urging Quebec to stay in Canada. In Nova Scotia, the Quebec flag flew over the legislature after Premier John Savage organized a coalition of civic leaders to appeal for Canadian unity.

“The criticism will always be made that it’s too late,” said Savage. “But it’s important that we show we love the people of Quebec. We want them to be part of our country.”