1995 Quebec referendum in the context of Lucien Bouchard

Canadian nationalism (French: Nationalisme canadien) has been a significant political force since the 19th century and has typically manifested itself as seeking to advance Canada's independence from the influence of the United Kingdom and United States. Since the 1960s, most proponents of Canadian nationalism have advocated a form of civic nationalism that seeks to equalize citizenship for Canada's multicultural society. In particular, proponents seek to unite English-speaking Canadians with the Québécois and other French-speaking Canadians, who historically faced cultural and economic discrimination and assimilationist pressure from the English Canadian–dominated federal government. Canadian nationalism became an important issue during the 1988 federal election that focused on the then proposed Canada–United States Free Trade Agreement, which Canadian nationalists opposed on the basis that it would in their view lead to the inevitable assimilation and domination of Canada by the United States.

During the 1995 Quebec referendum to determine whether Quebec would become a sovereign state or remain in Canada, Canadian nationalists and federalists supported the "no" side while Quebec nationalists supported the "yes" side, resulting in a razor-thin majority in favour of the "no" side.

The Quebec sovereignty movement (French: mouvement souverainiste du Québec, pronounced [muvmɑ̃ suvʁɛnɪst d͡zy kebɛk]) is a political movement advocating for Quebec's independence from Canada. Proponents argue that Quebecers form a distinct nation with a unique culture, language, history, and set of values, and thus should exercise their right to self-determination. This principle includes the possibility of choosing between integration with a third state, political association with another state, or full independence, enabling Quebecers to establish a sovereign state with its own constitution.

Supporters believe that an independent Quebec would be better positioned to promote its economic, social, environmental, and cultural development. They contend that self-governance would allow Quebec to manage its resources, such as its vast renewable natural assets and strategic geographic location, in alignment with its interests. Additionally, sovereignty would enable Quebec to establish its own fiscal policies, participate directly in international forums, and uphold its commitment to the French language and intercultural integration model.