PQ Leader Delays Sovereignty Referendum Until After Trump Presidency

Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon announced on August 18, 2026, that his party would not hold a referendum on Quebec's sovereignty from Canada until at least 2029, delaying the vote until after U.S. President Donald Trump's current term ends. St-Pierre Plamondon said a PQ government elected in the upcoming Quebec election would still aim to hold a referendum during its first mandate, but not before January 20, 2029.

In a statement, St-Pierre Plamondon argued that a question as crucial as Quebec's future requires a clear and serene debate, which should not be disrupted by American politics or surprise announcements from the U.S. president. He cited the unpredictable nature of the Trump administration as a factor that could harm the referendum process and the quality of the debate. The PQ leader stated this approach would help counter opponents who argue that now is a risky time to elect a separatist government due to Trump's policies.

The announcement drew swift criticism from rival parties. Quebec Premier and Coalition Avenir Québec leader Christine Fréchette, speaking to reporters in Montreal, said it would be worse to hold a referendum at the end of a mandate,...