Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has asserted that the Quebec independence referendum campaign is in motion, attributing the initiation of it to the Canadian prime minister. Addressing a large gathering of party members at a PQ convention in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, St-Pierre Plamondon pointed to recent remarks made by Prime Minister Mark Carney as the catalyst for kickstarting the federalist “No” campaign.
During the convention, St-Pierre Plamondon highlighted Carney’s statements regarding the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City as a pivotal moment that signals the beginning of a new phase. He emphasized that Carney’s portrayal of the 1759 battle as a foundation for a “partnership” between French and English Canadians and a call for national unity foreshadows upcoming developments.
In a passionate address, the PQ leader stated, “A new political cycle is underway, and a fresh era in our history is unfolding.” He rebuked Carney’s perspective, asserting that Quebec’s existence is not owed to Canada but has thrived through its distinctiveness and resilience. St-Pierre Plamondon’s criticism of Carney included accusations of perpetuating a legacy of colonialism tracing back to Lord Durham.
Denouncing what he described as a history of misinformation and deception propagated by federal institutions, St-Pierre Plamondon vowed to sever ties with British colonialism and pave the way for the establishment of an independent Quebec, eliciting a rousing standing ovation from fervent PQ supporters in attendance.