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Press Releases

Canadian Internet Users Send A Strong Message To Quebec
For Immediate Release - October 29, 1995

Over 4000 participants in the largest Internet Poll in Canadian history are saying they understand Quebec's desire for change, yet want to send a very strong message. Participants were asked series of questions based on what happens AFTER the referendum. Based on a "no" vote, 75% of participants agree there should be a new power sharing agreement between the federal government and all of the provinces. If there is a "yes" vote, 84% of those polled believe the rest of Canada should not negotiate political and economic association with an independent Quebec, and 88% polled believe Canada should refuse citizenship to Quebecers.

It is clear from the responses that a "yes" vote will mean absolute separation. 93% of participants want to impose trade sanctions or import duties on an independent Quebec until it agrees to assume a satisfactory portion of the national debt. In the event of a "yes" vote, 90% polled believe all Quebec Members of Parliament should be compelled to resign.

"I find it impossible to understand how the French culture will be preserved and enhanced in the event of a 'yes' vote" said Greg Vezina, President of Online Direct Inc. "70% of those polled are saying they would then want to end official bilingualism in the rest of the country. That doesn't sound like a good way of preserving the culture to me".

Although the poll demonstrates Canadian awareness of Quebec's dissatisfaction with the constitution, and demonstrates a consensus among both groups for a new power sharing agreement, the majority does not believe Canada should change the constitution or make a new constitutional offer to Quebec in the event of a "no vote. In addition, the poll is telling us a clear majority believe that Lucien Bouchard, the Bloc Quebecois and Quebec Premier Jacques Parizeau should resign their respective seats and there should be both by-elections for the Bloc seats in Parliament and a Quebec provincial election. Only 1 in 4 believe there should be a Federal election in Canada.

The Quebec (After the Vote) Online Poll is sponsored by Baton Broadcasting of Toronto, and is the largest Internet Poll ever conducted in Canadian history.

A unique factor of the Online Direct Internet Poll is that it is an on-going rolling questionnaire, providing up-to-date instant results that is accessible to all Canadians until after the Oct. 30/95 referendum at the following address on the Internet: http://www.onlinedirect.com

For more information:
Don Sanderson
Online Direct Inc.
(416) 234-9440