Quebec came within about one percentage point of voting to leave Canada in 1995.
Claimed by: Cited as precedent for how close secession can get
True: True as written according to the settled evidence. How we rate.
Summary
This is accurate. In the October 30, 1995 referendum on sovereignty, the No side won with 50.58 percent against 49.42 percent for Yes, a margin of 54,288 votes out of more than 4.7 million cast, on a record turnout of 93.52 percent. It remains the closest any Canadian secession vote has come. The near-result is also what prompted Parliament to pass the Clarity Act, setting out that a clear majority on a clear question would be needed before Canada would negotiate secession.
Evidence
Official results: the No option won the 1995 referendum with 50.58 percent to 49.42 percent, a majority of 54,288 votes, on a 93.52 percent turnout.
After the No side's narrow win, Parliament passed the Clarity Act requiring a clear majority on a clear question before secession negotiations could begin.