Quebec voters choose provincial government

Quebec voters are choosing a provincial government on Monday, Oct. 5, after a campaign dominated by economic uncertainty, the cost of living and debate over sovereignty. Polls are scheduled to close across the province at 8 p.m., with representatives being elected in 127 ridings. Pre-election polling placed the Parti Québécois in front, but the result and whether any party will win a majority remain unknown. PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has promised to hold a sovereignty referendum during his party’s first term if it forms government, though not before U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office in 2029. The pledge became a central point of dispute in the campaign’s final days, with rival leaders warning against a referendum and urging voters to consider its possible consequences. Coalition Avenir Québec Leader Christine Fréchette presented her party as an alternative to the federalist-sovereigntist divide, emphasizing nationalism and economic growth within Canada. Liberal Leader Charles Milliard described his party as the federalist option and urged voters who oppose a PQ government to support Liberal candidates strategically.