The Parti Québécois has completed one of the most dramatic political turnarounds in recent Quebec history, winning a minority government and reopening the debate over Quebec sovereignty.
The PQ captured 59 seats in Monday's provincial election, short of the 64 needed for a majority in the National Assembly. The result marks a remarkable comeback for a party that held just three seats following the 2022 election.
The election also delivered a crushing defeat to the Coalition Avenir Québec, which governed the province for the past eight years. The party was shut out entirely, including leader Christine Fréchette, who failed to win in her home riding of Trois-Rivières after taking over from former premier François Legault earlier this year.
The Quebec Liberal Party, led by Charles Milliard, won 40 seats and will remain the official Opposition. Éric Duhaime's Quebec Conservatives secured official party status for the first time, electing 19 members.
PQ victory revives sovereignty question
Supporters packed a celebration in Montreal as the election result became clear, chanting "Quebec, a country" while waving blue-and-white party colours.
"There is a new chapter in our nation that is starting over the next few years," PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon told supporters.
St-Pierre Plamondon has pledged to hold a referendum on Quebec independence, though not before U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office in 2029.
The premier-designate described an independent Quebec as rich, modern and democratic.
"A referendum is an opportunity to decide for ourselves," he told the crowd, some of whom sported merchandise from the "Yes" campaign in the 1995 referendum. "It's an act of democracy. It's not up to anyone but us, as a people, to decide our national future."
The road ahead may be complicated by the minority government result. Both the Liberals and Conservatives have vowed to oppose any effort to hold a sovereignty vote, while Québec solidaire could hold a key balance-of-power role after electing nine members.
Barrie's News Delivered To Your Inbox
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Central Ontario Broadcasting, 431 Huronia Rd, Barrie, Ontario, CA, https://www.cobroadcasting.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
New government outlines policy priorities
Beyond sovereignty, the PQ campaigned on reducing temporary immigration levels by more than half and introducing legislation to abolish the monarchy in Quebec. The party has said money currently used to support the lieutenant-governor's office could instead be directed toward addressing homelessness.
In his victory speech, St-Pierre Plamondon said his government would incorporate ideas from rival parties into its first budget.
He also extended an olive branch to Quebec's English-speaking population and to Prime Minister Mark Carney.
"I want to tell him that every time he'll defend the interests of Quebec, he'll find in me a partner in dialogue and collaboration," he said.
Carney congratulated the PQ leader and pledged to work with the incoming government.
"Building a stronger Québec is core to our mission of building a stronger Canada," Carney said in a statement on social media. "I look forward to working with you to support Québec’s businesses and workers impacted by tariffs, create more good jobs, work to end homelessness, and get more homes built across Québec."
Carney also thanked Fréchette for her service, saying the two had accomplished a great deal together.
- with files from The Canadian Press
