MONTREAL — The Parti Québécois (PQ) is doubling down on its plan to hold another referendum on Quebec sovereignty, arguing it is necessary to “maintain social peace,” even as new polling shows most Quebecers oppose the idea.
A recent survey indicates 65 per cent of Quebecers would vote “No” to independence, yet PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon says his party will still make a third referendum a key campaign promise in the next provincial election, expected in 2026.
“The Canadian model is not only disrespectful, it’s illegitimate and a threat to social peace,” St-Pierre Plamondon said, citing federal funding for English-language health care in Quebec as an example of Ottawa’s “interference.”
“I have nothing against services in English for English speakers,” he added, “but I have a problem with wasting public funds on policies that are not democratic.”
Sovereignty Debate Reignited
The PQ currently leads in voter intention polls, and St-Pierre Plamondon has ramped up his calls for independence — 30 years after Quebec’s last referendum in 1995.
He dismissed unfavourable polling on sovereignty, saying:
“Eighty-four per cent of Quebecers don’t want François Legault, and that doesn’t prevent him from running in the next election.”
Opposition Pushback
Opposition leaders say a referendum would only divide Quebecers and distract from pressing issues.
“I want to talk about jobs, economic growth, health and education,” said Quebec Liberal Leader Pablo Rodriguez. “A referendum is more of a threat to social peace. It brings instability.”
Rodriguez, a former federal cabinet minister, also broke new ground by suggesting Quebec could eventually sign the 1982 Constitution Act — something no Quebec Liberal leader has ever endorsed.
“The Constitution will be signed when we reach an agreement on Quebec’s conditions,” Rodriguez said.
Political Reactions
His remarks drew criticism from Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), who accused Rodriguez of abandoning Liberal tradition.
“He does not respect the heritage and legacy of Robert Bourassa, Jean Charest, and Philippe Couillard,” Jolin-Barrette said. “Pablo Rodriguez still thinks he’s in Ottawa. He’s now in Quebec.”
With the PQ’s rising popularity and talk of sovereignty resurfacing, Quebec’s relationship with the rest of Canada is again set to dominate the province’s political landscape.
