Canada: Quebec separatists return to power, promise new independence referendum

In the Quebec's provincial election on Monday the separatist Parti Quebecois (PQ) came in the lead after promising another referendum on independence from Canada but fell short of a outright majority.

The PQ, led by 49-year-old Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, was on track to win nearly 60 of the 127 seats in the National Assembly, just short of the 64 needed for a majority.

However, their return to power after more than a decade comes with a caveat as the minority government will need support from opposition parties to pass legislation and survive confidence votes.

"Quebecers elected the Parti Quebecois asking it to work with the other parties, and I heard that message," the PQ leader said.

St-Pierre Plamondon says dreams of independent Quebec

The PQ's return to power also brings to forefront the issue of identity of Quebec's French-speakers, who make up 80% of the population, and comes with a promise of an independence referendum.

St-Pierre Plamondon said he envisioned Quebec as a country on its own and that a referendum would allow Quebecers to decide their own future.

"I continue to dream and visualize that country," St-Pierre Plamondon said in his victory speech. "That dream will be realized one day."

The jubilant leader, however, made it clear that the referendum would not take place while US President Donald Trump remains in office. He said the decision would need "an informed and calm debate" and could not be allowed to be "hijacked by the theatrics of an unpredictable president."

Severing ties with British monarchy?

The PQ's victory does not necessarily signal majority support for independence.

While in the last referendum for independence in 1995, just 50.58% to stay in Canada, recent polls show support for sovereignty at around 30%.

"If Quebec becomes independent it would make us politically, economically and militarily vulnerable," 19-year-old Alexia Gomez, 19 told news agency AFP.

The Liberals and Conservatives have also voiced their opposition to an independence referendum, further complicating the PQ's path.

On the other hand, in a move more likely to find resonance among Quebecers, St-Pierre Plamondon's party has also pledged to reduce Quebec's ties to the British monarchy.

Meanwhile, Monday's result comes just two weeks before Alberta voters decide whether to support beginning the process toward a referendum on separating from Canada.

Could Alberta separatists tear Canada apart?

Edited by: Elizabeth Schumacher

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