"From one of Canada's most popular political analysts, Chantal Hébert, and one of Quebec's top political broadcasters, Jean Lapierre. They dare to open the old wounds of the 1995 Quebec referendum, a still-murky episode in Canadian history that continues to defy our understanding. The referendum took place in Quebec on October 30, 1995. A record 94% of 5,087,009 registered Quebecers voted in the referendum, with 49.42% voting "Yes" (that Quebec should proclaim national sovereignty) and 50.58% voting "No" -- the Canadian federation came within 54,288 votes of having to grapple with its continued existence. The referendum brought one of the world's most successful democracies to the brink of the unknown, and yet Quebecers' attitudes toward sovereignty continue to baffle the country's political class. Interviewing 17 key political leaders from the duelling referendum camps, Hébert and Lapierre begin with a simple premise: asking what were these political leaders' plans if the vote had gone the other way. Even 2 decades later, their answers may shock you. And in asking an unexpected question, these veteran political observers cleverly expose the fractures, tensions and fears that continue to shape Canada today. Chantal Hébert is a national affairs writer with the Toronto Star. Jean Lapierre is a political commentator for CTV"--Provided by publisher.