July 24, 1967 - "Vivre Le Quebec Libre!"

French President Charles de Gaulle shouts “Vivre le Quebec libre!” in Montreal. In 1967, Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson invited French President Charles de Gaulle to Canada on a journey that would include many stops and the usual diplomatic fanfare. On July 24, 1967, as de Gaulle was delivering a speech at Expo 67 in Montreal, he shouted “Vivre le Quebec libre!” The message, meaning “long live free Quebec,” prompted roars of approval from the crowd, but condemnation throughout the country. Given the growing concerns about Canadian French separatism at the time, Prime Minister Pearson decided to issue a response on television and radio. Canadians, he said, do not need to be liberated. In retaliation, de Gaulle pulled out of the trip, refusing even to show up for a state dinner with the prime minister the next day.

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