What was the result of the 1995 Quebec sovereignty referendum?

The 1995 Quebec referendum was a pivotal vote held on October 30, 1995, regarding the province's sovereignty. The referendum proposed that Quebec become a sovereign state while maintaining a formal economic and political partnership with the rest of Canada.1

The result was a narrow victory for the "no" side (those opposed to separation), which won with 50.58 percent of the vote. The "yes" side was defeated by a margin of only 1 percent, representing fewer than 55,000 votes.1

Following the close outcome, the federal government, led by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, initiated reforms to address Quebec's concerns, including a parliamentary motion recognizing Quebec as a "distinct society" within Canada.1