By the time you read the Western Producer this week, Quebec’s people will have voted oui or non to separation. It’s been a time of huge rallies, arguments and flag-waving for both sides of the debate.
The passion over the vote has gone beyond Quebec’s boundaries. In Ottawa last week, you could forget discussing anything other than the vote.
It was an obsession. There were feelings of frustration and panic in the nation’s capital. Taxi drivers, bar patrons, civil servants, journalists and the general public tuned in to their radio or television sets to listen to prime minister Jean ChrŽtien and separatist leader Lucien Bouchard on CBC last Wednesday night. There was more dismay than cheers at the end.
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Coffeeshops on the Prairies were also filled with conversations about the separatist movement. It was either a “save a unified Canada” or a “kick Quebec out – with good riddance” attitude that prevailed among farmers.
This week’s Western Producer coverage of the Quebec vote is due to the extra efforts of writers and editors who felt our readers want to know more about how the effect the vote may have on them and their country.
With a Monday deadline for our paper, and a referendum too close to call in advance, our staff faced a challenge in preparing a timely package of news for our readers on the topic.
Normally, we wrap up the paper around 6 p.m. for our Monday deadline.
Because we wished to get the latest information in from Quebec, special arrangements were made with the printing company to hold the deadline open until after midnight.
This allowed reporters to do interviews and write stories after polls closed at 7 p.m. Saskatoon time. Meanwhile, editors checked wire services for photos and prepared to speed the stories and photos onto the waiting page four. Next week, there will be more coverage as the implications of Monday’s vote become clearer.
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