EDITORIAL: A bumpy road to the promised land

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Quebec’s new premier, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, has some challenges ahead if he attempts to implement his separatist agenda.

Last week, the Parti Québécois leader led his party from obscurity to a minority government with just 28% of the popular vote.

He came to power on a pledge to hold a referendum on separating from Canada — but only after U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office in 2029.

That raises questions. Does he expect his fragile minority government to last that long? Which party does he expect to prop him up? Recent history shows a party that props up an unpopular minority government ends up getting swept out in the next vote. Just ask former federal New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh.

What does St-Pierre Plamondon believe will be different after Trump leaves office? It’s magical thinking if he believes tariffs will suddenly disappear. And, oddly, his pledge to wait until after Trump is gone for a referendum underscores the reality that Quebec needs the strength from the rest of Canada to preserve its unique position in North America.

Strong showing for Quebec’s Conservatives

Meanwhile, Quebec’s Conservatives had a surprisingly strong showing. They went from zero seats to 19 and about 21% of the popular vote. Liberals formed the official Opposition, with 40 seats and 24% of the popular vote.

St-Pierre Plamondon has pledged to do away with the monarchy in that province. Within 100 days of taking office, he will get rid of Quebec’s lieutenant-governor. Good luck with that. It’s easier to poke at paper tigers than it is to solve real problems like the soaring cost of everything.

Canada’s constitutional monarchy has provided us with stable government for 160 years. Any change to the status of the king must be approved by the House of Commons, the Senate and all provincial legislatures. New laws require royal assent. Laws that don’t adhere to that process are unenforceable. Any lawyer will argue in court that the law is unconstitutional, which it would be.

In 2022, St-Pierre Plamondon was one of three PQ MPPs who refused to swear allegiance to King Charles III. Quebec later passed legislation making the oath unnecessary.

With 72% of voters not supporting his party, St-Pierre Plamondon has his work cut out convincing voters to follow him to his promised land.

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