The leader of Quebec's Parti Québécois, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, said on Tuesday that his party would not hold an independence referendum while US President Donald Trump remains in office, arguing that American political upheaval would undermine the quality of any sovereignty debate in the Canadian province.
Quebec secessionist party leader vows to delay independence referendum until after Trump leaves office
The leader of Quebec's Parti Québécois, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, said on Tuesday that his party would not hold an independence referendum while US President Donald Trump remains in office, arguing that American political upheaval would undermine the quality of any sovereignty debate in the Canadian province.
St-Pierre Plamondon said a referendum would wait until later in a potential four-year governing term, after Trump's second term concludes in January 2029. Quebec must hold its next provincial election by October 5, and St-Pierre Plamondon said he intends to seek an independence referendum if his party wins.
Polls currently suggest the Parti Québécois is leading both the Liberal Party and the Coalition Avenir Quebec, which holds the greatest number of seats in Quebec's National Assembly.
Since returning to the presidency in 2025, Trump has repeatedly voiced opinions about making Canada a 51st US state and has used tariffs on Canadian goods as leverage for policy demands. On Tuesday, negotiations were ongoing as Canadian officials sought to head off a tariff threat that would place 50 percent import taxes on a range of goods starting at midnight on Wednesday.
Trump's actions have generated a surge in Canadian nationalism, and experts have noted that the economic benefits of remaining within Canada may appear more attractive to Quebec residents given cross-border tensions. There has also been speculation that the US may encourage secessionist efforts in provinces such as Alberta, where Premier Danielle Smith holds significant influence.
- The source does not state what share of the vote the Parti Québécois currently holds in polling, only that it is leading the Liberal Party and the Coalition Avenir Quebec.
- The source does not state what specific policy demands Trump has sought to advance through tariffs on Canadian goods.
- The source does not state the current seat count or polling figures for the Liberal Party or the Coalition Avenir Quebec.
- The source does not identify which experts beyond Beland assessed the economic appeal of Canadian union for Quebec residents.
- The source does not state the basis for speculation that the US may encourage secessionist efforts in Alberta.
Read the original at Al Jazeera English