The Parti Québécois won enough seats in Quebec's provincial election Monday to form a minority government, projecting the separatist party into power for the first time since 2014. Paul St-Pierre Plamondon will become the province's new leader.
The PQ secured fewer than the 64 seats required for a majority in the provincial assembly, according to Canadian media projections. Despite winning the most seats of any party, the PQ's share of the popular vote reached only 28%. The party will need support from rival parties to advance key goals, including holding a new referendum on Quebec independence.
In his victory speech, Plamondon pledged to be "the premier of everyone in Quebec" while reaffirming his independence plans. He said Quebec's "national destiny will be achieved one day." The majority French-speaking province previously held votes on separation in 1980 and 1995, both resulting in defeat for the independence movement. Polls now show only about 30% of Quebecers support separation.
Plamondon has said a referendum would occur after President Donald Trump leaves office, citing a need for "conditions that allow for an informed and serene debate" given the ongoing US-Canada trade war. Trump is due to leave office in just over two years, suggesting a third independence vote could be scheduled for 2029 or 2030.
The Quebec Liberal Party, which won 40 seats, is prepared to support the PQ on some issues but explicitly rejected collaboration on a potential referendum. Quebec Solidaire, a left-leaning sovereigntist party, won nine seats and could provide necessary backing.
Beyond independence, Plamondon has signaled confrontation with federal authorities over provincial matters. He pledged to fight any immigration increases mandated by Prime Minister Mark Carney's government and to "abolish the monarchy in Quebec," redirecting funds from royal institutions to social services. He specifically proposed defunding Quebec's lieutenant-governor's office, which represents King Charles III. Such a move faces significant legal challenges, given the monarchy's constitutional role and the lieutenant-governor's authority to give royal assent to legislation. Plamondon told reporters he was prepared for a legal battle with the federal government.
Prime Minister Carney told reporters he spoke with Plamondon and congratulated him, saying his focus remains on current challenges facing Canada rather than a referendum "a few years down the road."