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"Long live Montreal, Long live Quebec! Long live free Quebec!"

— Charles de Gaulle

January 1, 1970

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Added on April 10, 2026

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Military leaders from France Legion of Honour recipients Heads of government Presidents of France Prime Ministers of France

Original Language: English

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Said in 1967 on the balcony of Montréal City Hall,, with particular emphasis on the word 'libre'. The phrase, a slogan used by Quebecers who favoured Quebec sovereignty, and de Gaulle's use of it, was seen by them as lending his tacit support to the Quebec sovereignty movement. The speech sparked a diplomatic incident with Canada's government, and was condemned by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, who said "Canadians do not need to be liberated."

https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Charles_de_Gaulle

Said in 1967 on the balcony of Montréal City Hall,, with particular emphasis on the word 'libre'. The phrase, a slogan used by Quebecers who favoured Quebec sovereignty, and de Gaulle's use of it, was seen by them as lending his tacit support to the Quebec sovereignty movement. The speech sparked a diplomatic incident with Canada's government, and was condemned by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, who said "Canadians do not need to be liberated."