The Parti Québécois has promised another independence referendum. Preliminary results put it at about 28 per cent of the vote.
The Parti Québécois (PQ), which supports Quebec independence, won the provincial election on October 5 and is returning to power for the first time since 2014. Preliminary results put the party at about 28 per cent of the vote, short of an absolute majority in parliament.
PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said he would form a government for all Quebecers and appealed to other parties to work with him. The party has promised a new referendum on independence. If held, it would be the third, following votes in 1980 and 1995. The independence side narrowly lost the 1995 referendum.
Without a majority, the new government is likely to need support from other parties to advance its programme. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated Plamondon and said he looked forward to working with the new Quebec leader, including on support for businesses and workers affected by US tariffs.
The result could renew debate over Canada’s unity as a separate independence movement continues in Alberta. Franceinfo reported that Albertans are due to vote on October 19 on whether to hold an independence referendum.