U.S. trade war is looming over sovereignty debate in Quebec election
Charles Rousseau says he’s always believed in Quebec independence but it won’t be his top priority at the ballot box come Oct. 5, when the province chooses its next government.
The U.S. trade war and President Donald Trump's negotiations are becoming top concerns for Quebecers as they prepare to choose their next government on October 5. Charles Rousseau, a 27-year-old Masters’ student, noted that inflation and the cost of living are dominating political discourse, leading him to believe that the sovereignty movement may be losing momentum.
Former Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon had promised a sovereignty referendum in his first term if elected, but the trade war and economic uncertainty surrounding it are changing electoral priorities. Current Premier Christine Frechette has downplayed the sovereignty issue, stating that Quebec should not let Trump's administration dictate the election.
Instead, she urged voters to focus on the important debate ahead. Meanwhile, leftist sovereigntist party Québec solidaire's Ruba Ghazal promised to consult Quebecers on the sovereignty question if elected. However, political analysts believe Trump’s influence will be felt throughout the electoral campaign, with many suggesting the governing Coalition Avenir Québec party will be the safe bet in the race.
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