Quebec’s governing party names Trump its ‘real adversary’ as election begins

Quebec’s ruling party kicked off its election campaign on Thursday by singling out an unexpected opponent: U.S. President Donald Trump. "My rival is named Donald Trump," Coalition Avenir Québec Leader Christine Fréchette declared at a news conference in Quebec City, where campaigning for the upcoming Oct. 5 vote to elect the National Assembly began.

The U.S. President's trade war with Canada has emerged as a key issue in the provincial election, especially in Quebec, where American tariffs are impacting major industries and his proposed idea of Quebec becoming the 51st state has added complexity to the longstanding debate over the predominantly French-speaking province's potential secession from Canada.

Fréchette emphasized that her government is better equipped to shield Quebec businesses and workers from the economic uncertainties posed by the United States. "I'm seeking a mandate to navigate through this storm," she stated. The primary challenger is the separatist Parti Québécois, which has vowed to hold another referendum on independence if it secures the government.

However, its leader, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, ruled out the possibility of such a vote while Trump remains in office, noting that Quebecers should be able to deliberate their future without the instability caused by Trump. Trump's tariffs and his rhetoric about the 51st state have added a layer of complexity to the separatist argument by fostering Canadian nationalism and providing some French-speaking Quebecers with an additional reason to appreciate the security that comes with remaining part of Canada.

St-Pierre Plamondon cautioned on Thursday that Trump should not be allowed to overshadow the Quebec election.