The Parti Québécois will form a minority government and must rely on opposition support, while its leader renews his pledge to seek independence.
The separatist Parti Québécois won Quebec’s provincial election on Monday, returning to power for the first time in more than a decade but falling short of a majority, the Associated Press reported as votes were being counted.
The party was on track for nearly 60 seats in the 127-member National Assembly, below the 64 needed for a majority. Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon acknowledged that voters had asked the party to work with other parties. A minority government will need opposition votes to pass key legislation and survive confidence votes.
Plamondon promised another referendum on independence from Canada but said he would wait until U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office. Quebec has held votes on sovereignty in 1980 and 1995, with the latter defeated narrowly. The election does not itself establish majority support for independence. AP quoted McGill political scientist Daniel Béland saying support remained near 30%, low by historical standards.
Liberals and Conservatives oppose a new sovereignty vote, while Québec solidaire, another pro-independence party, could hold leverage in the legislature. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa would work with the new government on jobs, housing and support for businesses and workers affected by U.S. tariffs.
Quebec has about 9.1 million residents, roughly 80% of them French-speaking, and significant autonomy, including its own income-tax collection and language policies. Alberta is scheduled to vote October 19 on whether to hold a referendum on separation from Canada, AP reported.