The head of the Parti Quebecois expressed openness to collaborating with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in the event he wins the Quebec premiership next year. Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, who assumed leadership of the separatist PQ five years ago, delivered a speech at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy where he highlighted potential areas of mutual understanding. Despite his lack of enthusiasm for a pipeline traversing his province, St-Pierre Plamondon acknowledged the importance of regional sovereignty and the need to reduce federal intervention, noting Smith’s efforts to safeguard her constituents’ interests.
While emphasizing that he does not align with Smith on all matters, St-Pierre Plamondon underscored the shared objective of representing the will of the people through parliamentary processes. He acknowledged differences in public sentiment on certain issues but emphasized the overarching principle of empowering constituents. Regarding Alberta’s independence debate, St-Pierre Plamondon deferred the decision to Albertans but acknowledged the relevance of the ongoing discourse within the current landscape.
Contrary to Smith’s stance against Alberta separation, she advocates for a sovereign Alberta within the framework of a united Canada. However, given the increasing discontent among Albertans towards the federal government, Smith has indicated a willingness to conduct a referendum on separation next year contingent upon meeting the signature threshold on a petition.
Reflecting on the PQ’s history of sovereignty referendums in Quebec, which were unsuccessful in 1980 and 1995, St-Pierre Plamondon has pledged to organize a third referendum by 2030 if the PQ assumes power in Quebec. With the PQ leading in Quebec polls and securing victories in the province’s recent byelections, projections suggest the party would secure a majority if elections were held today.
Addressing the issue of federal transfers, St-Pierre Plamondon expressed a preference for Quebec to retain its $90 billion rather than receiving funds from other provinces through Ottawa with conditions attached. He emphasized the need for Quebec, under his leadership, to collaborate with provinces like Alberta within a redefined framework, attributing current challenges to what he perceives as excessive federal authority infringing on provincial jurisdiction.
