The Parti Québécois has returned to power in Quebec after more than a decade, winning 59 of the 127 seats in the province’s National Assembly in the October 5 provincial election. The result gives the party a minority government.
PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has pledged to hold a referendum on Quebec independence during his term. He has said, however, that he would not hold the referendum while U.S. President Donald Trump remains in office, citing the current political and economic circumstances.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
The Parti Québécois won 59 of 127 seats in Quebec’s National Assembly.
A majority requires 64 seats, leaving the PQ five seats short.
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon will lead a minority government.
The PQ has pledged to hold a referendum on Quebec independence.
Plamondon has said he would wait until Donald Trump is no longer U.S. president before holding the referendum.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Ottawa will work with the incoming Quebec government.
As a minority government, the PQ will need support from opposition parties to pass legislation and survive confidence votes.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has congratulated Plamondon and said the federal government will work with Quebec on issues including infrastructure, economic growth and support for workers affected by U.S. tariffs.
The election result has brought the issue of Quebec sovereignty back into Canada’s political debate. Quebec previously held independence referendums in 1980 and 1995, with both proposals defeated.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The PQ’s return to government puts Quebec sovereignty back on Canada’s political agenda. Its minority position also means the government will require opposition support on key legislation and confidence matters.
