Victory in the Quebec provincial election has given the pro-sovereignty Parti Québécois (PQ) the chance to take the reins of power for the first time since 2014, potentially posing a serious challenge for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the BBC reports.Issues highlighted by the party include immigration and the monarchy, and the PQ has also pledged to hold a referendum on Quebec’s independence. A similar vote is planned for October in the province of Alberta. Quebec—where French is the first language for the majority of the population—has previously held referendums on secession (in 1980 and 1995), though polls indicate that only about 30% of Quebecers support the idea. Newly elected provincial Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon stated that the vote could take place after US President Donald Trump leaves office.Depending on the outcome of the Alberta referendum, Carney could find himself trying to manage crises in different parts of Canada. Trump has two more years left in office, meaning that if Plamondon keeps his promise, a third Quebec independence referendum could take place in 2029 or 2030.Beyond the issue of sovereignty, Plamondon has also made it clear that he will clash with Ottawa if he believes the federal government is infringing upon the province’s interests. During the election campaign, Plamondon indicated he would pressure the capital on immigration matters, vowing to oppose any increase in migrant numbers that a Carney government might implement. The new provincial premier has also pledged to abolish the monarchy in Quebec and redirect funds currently spent on its institutions toward social services. In late September, he stated he would do whatever was necessary to oust the monarchy from Quebec, reclaim the funds, and channel them into social needs.The PQ’s success can be partly attributed to voter fatigue with the incumbent provincial government. During its eight years in power, the Coalition Avenir Québec had prioritized protecting Quebec’s identity and language; however, party leader François Legault eventually lost the support of significant segments of the electorate. Efforts to replace Legault with the new leader—outgoing Premier Christine Fréchette—also failed to yield the hoped-for result. Following the election, Fréchette stated that she would work with Plamondon to ensure a successful transition of power.The Quebec Liberal Party finished second in terms of seats won, followed by the Conservative Party of Quebec. Carney, who leads the Liberal Party, remains popular in Quebec; however, support for him has declined since Trump imposed new tariffs on Canada in August.Quebec is among the provinces hardest hit by the new American tariffs.On the evening of the 5th of October, Carney congratulated Plamondon on his victory and pledged to work with the winning party. In a social media post, Carney noted that building a stronger Quebec is central to the process of strengthening Canada.
Separatist party wins Quebec provincial election; national government faces a headache · BNN
