Parti Québécois leader says sovereignty referendum would cost $130 million

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, leader of the Parti Québécois, has revealed that the sovereignty referendum he plans to hold in 2029 or 2030 would cost at least $130 million. In an interview with The Canadian Press, he detailed the expenses associated with preparing for and conducting the referendum, which will be included in his financial framework for the upcoming provincial election on Oct.

5. The budget comprises $20 million for studies and consultations in the initial years of a PQ government mandate, including expenses for a roving commission to study a new provisional constitution starting in 2027. Holding the referendum in 2029-30 would cost $110 million, but Plamondon admitted it could exceed this figure due to unforeseen expenses.

He emphasized his party's commitment to holding the referendum on Quebec sovereignty post-U.S. President Donald Trump's departure from office, regardless of whether the PQ forms a majority or minority government. St-Pierre Plamondon also announced that he would appoint a minister responsible for the independence process, replacing the minister of Canadian relations, and pledged not to increase the ministry's size.

The PQ leader stated that the intergovernmental relationship with Ottawa would also be part of the independence project.