Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon speaks at a news conference in Saint-Hyacinthe, Que., on Jan. 23, 2026. THE CANADIAN Press/Christinne Muschi

By The Canadian Press

Parti Québécois says it won’t hold referendum on sovereignty while Trump is president

Aug 18, 2026 | 6:41 AM

MONTREAL — The leader of the Parti Québécois says his party would not call a referendum on sovereignty if it forms a government until U.S. President Donald Trump leaves the White House.

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon says his party still plans to call a referendum on whether Quebec should separate from Canada in its first mandate. However, he specified the question wouldn’t be put to vote until at least 2029.

In a message posted on social media, Plamondon says an issue as crucial as the future of Quebec requires a clear and serene debate.

He says this debate should not be disrupted by American politics or surprise announcements coming from the U.S. president.

St-Pierre Plamondon also says the unpredictable nature of the Trump administration could harm the referendum process as well as the quality of a debate about Quebec’s future.

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The PQ leader believes he is disarming his opponents’ argument that this would be the worst time to elect a separatist government because of Trump.

He says he wants to run a campaign based on proposals to help Quebecers rather than on what he calls “redundant and fruitless fear-mongering.” His party promises to tackle the rising cost of living, the housing crisis, and homelessness, among other issues.

“In any case, the fact remains that, given Quebec’s current state, a government called upon to clean up the mess left by the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) will have plenty of challenges and tasks to tackle right from the start of its term,” St-Pierre Plamondon wrote.

The PQ has been leading in recent public opinion polls ahead of a general election in Quebec that must be held by Oct. 5.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 18, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Parti Québécois says it won’t hold referendum on sovereignty while Trump is president

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