U.S. trade war is looming over sovereignty debate in Quebec election

The U.S. trade war appears to be overshadowing Quebec's sovereignty debate as the province prepares to elect its next government on October 5. Charles Rousseau, a 27-year-old Master's student in Montreal, believes that inflation and the cost of living have now become more pressing concerns for Quebecers than the potential for a sovereignty referendum.

Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, who has traditionally championed sovereignty, has shifted his focus away from the issue. He acknowledged that a referendum on sovereignty is no longer a top priority at the ballot box, as the trade war with the United States poses greater concerns for Quebec.

The National Bank report highlighted that Quebec faces the highest effective tariff rate on exports among all provinces, causing St-Pierre Plamondon to be defensive. His opponents argue that separating from Canada while Donald Trump is in power would be unwise. Quebec's incumbent premier, Christine Frechette, dissolving the legislature on Thursday, vowed to appeal to federalist voters and emphasize economic stability in the face of the trade war.

Leftist sovereigntist party Québec solidaire leader Ruba Ghazal is also consulting Quebecers on sovereignty despite the uncertain political climate. However, political analysts believe Trump's influence will be felt throughout the election campaign, potentially benefiting the governing Coalition Avenir Québec, the party currently in power.