<p>It was supposed to keep Canada together but a massive 1995 rally nearly did the opposite. </p><p><br></p><p>In 1995, Canada was on the verge of breaking up. The province of Quebec was about to vote on whether to become a sovereign nation. Just days before a referendum on that very question, tens of thousands of Canadians from across the country poured into Montreal. Travelling by planes and trains - they gathered for what would become known as the Unity Rally. Carrying flags, singing the national anthem and declaring their love for Quebec – they pleaded for Quebecers to say “no” they would not leave.</p><p>Despite this demonstration – many in the Province viewed the gesture as too little too late.&nbsp;</p><p>30 years later Francis Plourde looks at the legacy of the love-in, and the historic vote and what it says about Canada today.</p><p><br></p><p>Storylines is part of the <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/audiodocs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CBC Audio Doc Unit </a></p>