Prime Minister Carney Speaks with Incoming Quebec Premier After Historic PQ Victory
Following a historic provincial election that ousted the Coalition Avenir Québec and delivered a Parti Québécois minority government, Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with incoming premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. Both leaders emphasized cooperation on economic challenges, while St-Pierre Plamondon outlined immediate domestic priorities and reiterated plans to delay a sovereignty referendum until after Donald Trump leaves the U.S. presidency.
Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke Tuesday morning with incoming Parti Québécois (PQ) premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon following the party's victory in the Quebec provincial election. The call came after an electoral outcome that ended Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) rule and resulted in a historic shift in Quebec politics.
The PQ secured 59 seats, falling five short of a majority in the legislature. The CAQ was wiped off the electoral map, losing all of its seats. Other parties taking seats included the Quebec Liberals with 40, the Conservative Party of Quebec with 19, and Québec Solidaire with nine. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet noted that the combined seats of the PQ and Québec Solidaire constitute a majority in the Quebec legislature.
St-Pierre Plamondon stated he intends to work with the federal government and other provinces, emphasizing that "we will govern for all Quebecers." Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said the federal government would use a "co-operative federalism approach" to work with the new Quebec government to protect jobs and offset trade war impacts. Both leaders emphasized cooperation to address economic challenges, including U.S. tariffs, housing, and infrastructure.
Outlining his immediate policy priorities, St-Pierre Plamondon announced plans to reduce homelessness by half, boost food bank funding by $5 million per year, and lower the gas tax to help reduce the cost of living.
On the question of sovereignty, St-Pierre Plamondon confirmed he plans to hold a third referendum but will wait until Donald Trump leaves the U.S. presidency before doing so.