Referendum is the Best Strategy to Counter the ‘Existential Threat’ from Ottawa, Says PQ Leader

The Parti Quebecois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon believes that the best way to protect Quebec’s language and culture is by organizing a third independence referendum.

If he wins the provincial election in 2026, he has promised to hold such a vote.

During a two-day event in Drummondville, Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon expressed concerns that Quebec’s position in Canada is weakening, labeling Ottawa as an “existential threat.”

He accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of disregarding the national constitution and exceeding his authority by interfering in provincial matters such as housing and healthcare.

In a speech to around 500 party members, he stated, “Our time will come sooner than expected, within a few years, before the end of the decade. History is posing the question to us, and our destiny is calling.”

While his supporters applauded his sentiments, his political opponents criticized his speech.

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Stephane Gobeil, an adviser to Premier François Legault, criticized the PQ leader’s confidence in winning the 2026 election as either arrogance or poorly controlled excitement in a social media post on April 14.

Interim Liberal leader Marc Tanguay also took to social media to condemn Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon’s call for a third referendum.

He stated in an April 14 post, “By presenting us with a false dilemma of choosing between the status quo or ‘disappearance,’ he is misleading us. Quebec has been contributing to Canada for over 150 years. Our unity and economic strength are key to preserving our French-speaking Quebec identity.”

He labeled the PQ leader as the most extreme yet, accusing him of fearmongering to advance his agenda.

Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon’s speech contained grim predictions, suggesting that Canada has a bleak future for Quebec.

He emphasized the importance of not risking another defeat like the ones in 1980 and 1995 referendums.

He concluded, “Quebecers must understand that our next encounter with history may be our final opportunity to ensure the survival of our language and culture.”

The 1995 sovereignty referendum had a narrow margin, with 50.58% against sovereignty and 49.42% in favor.

Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon reaffirmed his commitment to a third referendum on Quebec’s independence over the weekend on social media.

In an April 14 post, he wrote, “We will undoubtedly have a third independence referendum for Quebec. It is now certain. Therefore, we must build the largest YES coalition Quebec has ever seen and win.”

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.