The Parti Québécois leader, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, declared on Tuesday that the party will refrain from holding a referendum while Donald Trump serves as the U.S. President. St-Pierre Plamondon expressed the intention to prevent the Quebec political future debate from being influenced by American political fluctuations.
St-Pierre Plamondon emphasized that the critical nature of Quebec’s political destiny necessitates a conducive environment for a well-informed and composed discussion. He stated the upcoming government would encounter ample challenges without the need for a referendum during Trump’s tenure.
To dispel concerns about the timing of contemplating Quebec’s future amidst Trump’s presidency, St-Pierre Plamondon confirmed that a referendum would not be pursued before the conclusion of Trump’s second term in 2029. If elected, he plans to seek input from Quebec residents regarding independence only after Trump’s departure from office.
The announcement coincides with the impending launch of the Quebec provincial election campaign, scheduled for October 5. Meanwhile, negotiations are ongoing to avert potential American tariffs that could impact Canadian businesses.
While St-Pierre Plamondon has committed to a referendum in his initial term, recent polls show limited support for Quebec’s separation. The Quebec Liberal Party Leader, Charles Milliard, criticized the postponement, suggesting it reflects a lack of resolve on independence. Other political figures have also expressed concerns about the timing of the referendum announcement.
Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, the Parti Québécois maintains a lead in the polls, positioning them ahead of other major political parties in Quebec.