Parti Québécois Wins Minority Government in Quebec Election

The separatist Parti Québécois (PQ) returned to power in Quebec on October 5, 2026, securing 59 of 127 seats to form a minority government. The victory follows a total collapse of the center-right Coalition Avenir Québec, which lost all 79 of its seats. The Quebec Liberal Party became the official opposition with 40 seats, while the Conservative Party of Quebec made a historic return to the legislature with 19 seats, and Québec solidaire won nine.

Premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon pledged to hold a third sovereignty referendum during his first mandate but vowed to delay the vote until after U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office in 2029. Plamondon cited the need to avoid economic instability during an ongoing trade war with the United States. His proposed agenda includes abolishing Santé Québec, eliminating the role of the lieutenant-governor, and canceling the Alto high-speed rail project to Ontario.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has promoted cooperative federalism, urging the new government to prioritize immediate economic challenges, such as affordable housing and job losses from U.S. tariffs, over independence. While Plamondon expressed a willingness to collaborate with the federal government, the Quebec Liberal Party intends to block taxpayer-funded referendum preparations. This political shift occurs as Canada faces broader unity challenges, with Alberta scheduled to vote on October 19 regarding a potential separation referendum.