Canada: Quebec separatists return to power, promise new independence referendum

In Quebec's provincial election held on Monday, the separatist Parti Quebecois (PQ) secured the lead but fell short of a majority, winning nearly 60 out of the 127 seats in the National Assembly. The PQ, led by 49-year-old Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, is now set to form a minority government, which will require support from other parties to pass legislation and withstand confidence votes.

The election outcome has reignited the debate over Quebec's identity and the prospect of independence. The PQ leader stated that the party would work with the other political parties to fulfill the mandate given to it by the Quebecers. The PQ has promised to hold another referendum on Quebec's independence from Canada, envisioning the nation as an independent country and emphasizing that a referendum would enable Quebecers to decide their own future.

St-Pierre Plamondon, however, clarified that the referendum would not occur during the tenure of US President Donald Trump. He deemed it necessary for an informed and calm debate, rather than allowing the issue to be clouded by the unpredictability of Trump's actions.

Despite the PQ's apparent victory, recent polls suggest that support for Quebec's independence stands at around 30%, down from 50.58% in the last referendum in 1995. Young Quebecer Alexia Gomez expressed concern over the potential implications of independence, noting that it would make Quebec politically, economically, and militarily vulnerable.

The PQ's win has also faced opposition from the Liberals and Conservatives, further complicating the path towards an independence referendum. On a more promising note for Quebec's French-speaking population, which constitutes 80% of the province's 8 million residents, the PQ has pledged to reduce ties with the British monarchy. The election results took place just two weeks before Alberta voters are set to decide on initiating a process for a referendum on separating from Canada.