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MONTREAL — Quebec is standing tall and the world should make space for the new country, the late premier Jacques Parizeau says in a videotaped speech prepared in 1995 in the event of a Yes victory in the sovereignty referendum.

Parizeau’s comments — made in English and French — were destined for media organizations but were not aired because of the No side’s win on Oct. 30, 1995.

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The French version of the videotape was broadcast in January during a television show on Radio-Canada but Quebec’s national library uploaded the English copy to its website only last week.

Watch Parizeau’s speech in French and English

“The first task for us all tomorrow will be to take off our Yes and No labels so we can come together behind the democratic decisions Quebecers have made,” says Parizeau, sitting behind a desk in front of a Fleur-de-lis flag.

Discussions with Canada on a new “political and economic partnership” will begin immediately, he says, adding his government will choose a few members from the No side to sit on the negotiating committee.