The leader of the Parti Québécois, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, made an announcement on Tuesday morning stating that the party will refrain from holding a referendum while U.S. President Donald Trump is in office. St-Pierre Plamondon emphasized the need for a well-informed and calm debate regarding Quebec’s political future, expressing concerns about the potential influence of American politics on the issue.
He highlighted that the upcoming government will already face numerous challenges without the added complexity of a referendum. To address the timing concerns related to Trump’s presidency, St-Pierre Plamondon confirmed that a referendum will not be considered until after Trump’s second term ends in January 2029.
St-Pierre Plamondon assured that if elected, he would engage with Quebecers on the topic of independence within his initial term, but only after Trump vacates office. This declaration precedes the imminent launch of the Quebec provincial election campaign, with voting scheduled for October 5.
In response to the announcement, other political leaders shared varying perspectives. Quebec Liberal Party Leader Charles Milliard viewed the decision as a reflection of the weakening appeal of Quebec’s separation from Canada, criticizing it as an attempt to sway public opinion. Conversely, Coalition Avenir Québec Premier Christine Fréchette criticized the timing of the announcement, citing the need for stability amidst high American tariffs on Canada.
Despite differing opinions, the Parti Québécois currently leads in the polls, according to data from political aggregator 338Canada. The party’s position in overall voter intentions places them ahead of the Quebec Liberal Party and the governing Coalition Avenir Québec. The upcoming election is anticipated to be closely contested, with various parties vying for voter support.
Ultimately, St-Pierre Plamondon’s decision to delay the referendum until after Trump’s presidency has sparked debate and speculation within Quebec’s political landscape, setting the stage for a dynamic electoral contest in the near future.