Saint-Hyacinthe, Que., January 28, 2026: Parti Québécois (PQ) leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon says the campaign for Quebec independence is already in motion, suggesting that recent remarks by the Canadian prime minister effectively launched the federalist “No” campaign.
Speaking to hundreds of party members at a PQ convention on Sunday, St-Pierre Plamondon pointed to comments made by Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier this week about the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City. Carney described the 1759 battle as the start of a “partnership” between French and English Canadians and emphasized the importance of national unity.
“A new political cycle has indeed begun. A new chapter in our history is opening before us,” St-Pierre Plamondon said.
He added, “Mr. Carney, Quebec does not exist because of Canada. In fact, Quebec has survived in its difference and specificity despite Canada,” earning a standing ovation from the crowd.
St-Pierre Plamondon also criticized Carney on Friday, accusing him of being part of a “long tradition of colonialism” dating back to Lord Durham. “This tradition is one of falsifying facts and history and constantly feeding us lies through federal institutions,” he said. “We will break with British colonialism and create our own country.”
With the PQ gaining momentum ahead of the fall provincial election, St-Pierre Plamondon’s comments underscore the growing tensions over Quebec sovereignty and the prospect of a future referendum on independence.
