Paul St-Pierre Plamondon was elected as Quebec's new premier, projecting the Parti Québécois (PQ) to achieve a minority win in the provincial election in Quebec. The PQ has held power in Quebec since 2014.
Plamondon pledged that the PQ intends to hold a referendum concerning Quebec's independence. Furthermore, 30% of Quebecers reportedly support a referendum on independence.
Plamondon stated that the independence vote would take place after US President Donald Trump leaves office. A third plebiscite on independence might be scheduled for 2029 or 2030.
The PQ leader also declared his readiness to challenge Ottawa if the federal government oversteps provincial interests. Regarding immigration, Plamondon vowed to oppose any increases mandated by the Carney government.
Plamondon stated, "We are going to do what we have to do to get the monarchy out of Quebec, repatriate those funds, and send them to social causes." The PQ leader suggested that the office of Quebec's lieutenant-governor could be defunded.
Previously, Plamondon was among the Quebec lawmakers who declined to pledge allegiance to the King in 2022. The Quebec Liberal Party secured the second-most seats in the election.
Meanwhile, the Quebec Conservative Party managed to gain seats. Carney congratulated Plamondon on his victory late on Monday.
Carney also vowed to collaborate with the PQ to support Québec's businesses and workers affected by tariffs. The province faces a potential C$2bn blow.
Christine Fréchette conceded her re-election race in Trois-Rivières.
