The leader of the Parti Québécois, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, revealed on Tuesday that the party will refrain from organizing a referendum as long as the current U.S. President, Donald Trump, remains in office. St-Pierre Plamondon emphasized the importance of avoiding the influence of American politics on the crucial issue of Quebec’s political future.
Stating that a thoughtful and composed debate is necessary for such a significant matter, the PQ leader highlighted the challenges that the next government will confront, making it inopportune to consider a referendum at this time. He explicitly stated that there will be no referendum before the conclusion of Trump’s second term in 2029.
Although St-Pierre Plamondon expressed intentions to consult Quebecers on independence during his initial term if elected, he specified that this would only occur after Trump’s departure from office. This announcement coincides with the imminent launch of the Quebec provincial election campaign, with the voting day set for October 5.
Regarding the PQ’s decision, other political figures have offered varying perspectives. The Quebec Liberal Party Leader, Charles Milliard, viewed the delay of the referendum as a sign of the weak stance on Quebec’s separation from Canada. Milliard criticized the PQ’s attempt to sway public opinion, describing it as a contradictory stance.
Christine Fréchette, the Premier of Quebec and leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec, criticized the timing of the announcement, deeming it irresponsible given the impending increase in American tariffs on Canada. She emphasized the importance of stability for Quebec amid uncertain geopolitical conditions.
In response to the PQ’s decision, Éric Duhaime, leader of the Conservative Party of Quebec, questioned the party’s reliability in the face of potential changes in the U.S. administration. Despite the controversy surrounding the announcement, the Parti Québécois is currently leading in the polls, surpassing the Quebec Liberal Party and the Coalition Avenir Québec in overall voting intentions.
The political landscape in Quebec is gaining momentum as the election approaches, with different parties launching pre-campaign ads to communicate their priorities and engage with voters effectively. Analysts anticipate a competitive electoral race with distinct focuses on economic policies and voter engagement strategies.
Additionally, negotiations are ongoing to avert new American tariffs expected to impact Canadian businesses, with Prime Minister Mark Carney engaging in intense discussions to secure a favorable agreement before the impending deadline.