the "yes" campaign was, in the initial stages, low key. it focused on gaining broad acceptance of sovereignty-association through specialized "regroupments" that would be presented with special certificates at ceremonies led by lévesque and other cabinet ministers. the regroupments were seen as an attempt to show broad support for the movement and create conversations at the ground level, however, the attempt to create them in some heavily federalist professions, such as lawyers, prompted a severe backlash.