A day after yet one more byelection victory for the Parti Québécois, chief Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is being accused by his opponents of backtracking on his promise to carry a referendum throughout his first time period.
Whereas St-Pierre Plamondon reiterated his dedication to have a sovereignty referendum by 2030 if elected premier of Quebec, his uncertainty on the precise timing opened the door to criticism.
The PQ chief mentioned his get together could be sensible about when to carry a referendum, together with bearing in mind the political state of affairs in america.
“We have to stay versatile and never commit forward when it comes to circumstances or when it comes to date,” he mentioned. “Would it not be the final yr or the primary yr? We must be versatile and take reasoned choices when you realize the info.”
His political opponents jumped on these feedback.
Liberal Chief Charles Milliard accused the PQ chief of committing a “political pirouette.”
“Article 1 of the PQ’s platform is to separate Quebec,” mentioned Milliard. “I feel he intends to remain true to his goal. Now, will he wish to delay it throughout his first time period? The easiest way to keep away from that, clearly, is to elect a Liberal authorities in October.”
Conservative Chief Éric Duhaime, whose get together got here in second in Chicoutimi, referred to as St-Pierre Plamondon’s phrases a “retreat” as a result of “he sees that his possibility is heading for catastrophe.”
“What we had been listening to was that folks don’t desire a third referendum for the Parti Québécois,” Duhaime mentioned. “I noticed yesterday that Mr. Plamondon started to again down as a result of he realized that our message was certainly resonating, as a result of we, the Conservative Get together, weren’t promising them a 3rd referendum they might lose.”
CAQ management candidate Bernard Drainville mentioned St-Pierre Plamondon would resolve on whether or not or to not maintain a referendum based mostly on his “temper.”
“We all know the outdated technique: inform sovereigntists {that a} referendum is coming, whereas letting others consider that there received’t be one,” Drainville wrote on X.
The PQ chief, in response, accused his rivals — and the Conservatives particularly — of making an attempt to scare individuals, saying a referendum is just not within the close to time period.
“When our adversaries attempt to unfold worry, it’s clearly all they’ve, in saying it’s not the time for a referendum as if it was (occurring) subsequent week — it’s not very sincere,” he mentioned. “And the dedication to carry a referendum at a time that’s clever and is chosen in a four-year window, it’s clearly very completely different.”
With lower than 9 months away from an election, political analyst Daniel Tran believes the Parti Québécois chief wants to decide on his phrases rigorously.
“Already we’ve issues with price of residing and with the geopolitical rigidity with america makes it even much less predictable for our companies. My guess is that Paul St-Pierre Plamondon will actually have to begin refining his message,” mentioned Tran, the director of communications and governmental relations at Casacom.
‘We have to come collectively’
Montrealers who spoke to CityNews had been blended about what was finest for Quebec beneath a attainable PQ authorities.
“I’m glad they’re within the lead, however I’m in opposition to a referendum in the event that they ever come to energy. Not a referendum proper now,” mentioned Monique Ducharme.
“Earlier than speaking about holding a referendum, kind a superb authorities. After forming a superb authorities, begin speaking a few referendum by exhibiting individuals that you’re able to managing the nation, the province, and it’s not the time to divide, particularly with Donald Trump right now. We have to come collectively,” mentioned André Bélanger.
“The referendum is one thing that I don’t suppose is a good suggestion, whether or not it’s now or sooner or later. I feel Canada ought to keep united, particularly in these instances. We must be united. We don’t have to have anyone that desires to be aside from this nation,” added Jo-Ann Troy.
“He actually desires to work for the Quebecers and make one thing to assist us concerning the Canada in opposition to the Quebec and put together the street for the separation,” mentioned Jean-Marc.
PQ wins in Chicoutimi
Forward within the polls for months, the Parti Québécois confirmed no signal of slowing down when it claimed its fourth consecutive byelection victory – this time in Chicoutimi. Marie-Karlynn Laflamme was elected with greater than 45 per cent of the vote.
“The individuals of Chicoutimi have determined to return to the bigger household of the Parti Québécois,” Laflamme mentioned on Monday evening.
“It appears to me that the message may be very clear once more. In 4 completely different areas, however all the time the identical message: the entire of Quebec is demanding profound change,” added St-Pierre Plamondon.
The Conservatives (26 per cent) got here in second whereas the CAQ (12 per cent) – which received the using in 2022 with greater than 62 per cent of the vote – completed third. Quebec Premier François Legault didn’t reply to a reporter’s query about it on Tuesday.
“Some individuals need some change,” Tran mentioned. “On the identical time, Parti Québécois has been in a position to rise by way of this momentum with their chief, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. He’s identified to be actually linked to his values, what you see is what you get. And I feel that is the factor that folks wish to see authenticity.”
–With information from The Canadian Press