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Plamondon elected Quebec premier, vows 2029 sovereignty referendum

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 2:52 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon was elected premier of Quebec heading a minority Parti Québécois government.
The PQ secured 59 seats, while Liberals won 40, Conservatives 19, and Québec solidaire 9.
Plamondon pledged a sovereignty referendum after U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office, likely 2029.
He also vowed to abolish Quebec’s monarchy and redirect lieutenant-governor funds to homelessness aid.
Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated Plamondon and pledged federal assistance on tariffs, jobs and housing.

History

Historical Context

The 1995 Quebec sovereignty referendum, held on 30 October 1995, was the province’s second vote on independence, following the 1980 defeat and the collapse of the Meech Lake (1990) and Charlottetown (1992) accords that revived separatist sentiment. Led by Premier Jacques Parizeau and supported by Bloc leader Lucien Bouchard, the “No” side won by 54,288 votes (50.58% to 49.42%) amid a 93.5% turnout.

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Story summary

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon was elected premier of Quebec heading a minority Parti Québécois government.
The PQ secured 59 seats, while Liberals won 40, Conservatives 19, and Québec solidaire 9.
Plamondon pledged a sovereignty referendum after U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office, likely 2029.
He also vowed to abolish Quebec’s monarchy and redirect lieutenant-governor funds to homelessness aid.
Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated Plamondon and pledged federal assistance on tariffs, jobs and housing.

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