The Quebec Party (Parti Quebecois) won the provincial elections on Monday and announced plans to hold a new referendum on independence from Canada. This party, led by Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, is on track to secure nearly 60 seats out of 127 in the National Assembly, which is less than the 64 seats required for a majority.
Challenges Facing the Quebec Party
The return of the Quebec Party to power after more than a decade comes with challenges. The party will need to gain support from opposition parties to pass legislation and remain in confidence votes. Paul St-Pierre Plamondon emphasized in his victory speech that Quebecers have chosen this party to collaborate with other parties.
The Issue of Quebec Identity and Independence
The return of the Quebec Party to power brings the issue of the French-speaking identity of Quebecers, who make up 80% of the population, back into focus. Plamondon stated that he envisions Quebec as an independent country and that holding a referendum would allow Quebecers to determine their own future. He also specified that this referendum would not take place during Donald Trump's presidency in the United States and requires an "informed and calm discussion."
The victory of the Quebec Party does not necessarily mean majority support for independence. In the last independence referendum in 1995, only 50.58% voted to remain in Canada, and recent polls show support for independence at around 30%. Nineteen-year-old Alexia commented on this, saying, "If Quebec becomes independent, we will be politically, economically, and militarily vulnerable."
The Liberal Party and the Conservative Party have also expressed their opposition to holding an independence referendum, complicating the Quebec Party's path. Meanwhile, the Quebec Party has promised to reduce Quebec's ties with the British Crown. The election results on Monday were announced just two weeks before Alberta voters decide on initiating a referendum process for separation from Canada.
