Quebec votes in provincial election as separatist surge poses test for Canada’s PM Carney

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, leader of the separatist Parti Québécois (PQ), made his final pitch to undecided voters in Quebec over the weekend, as the provincial election was set for Monday, October 5, 2026. Throughout the campaign, the PQ has led polls despite support for sovereignty remaining below 30%. The PQ promises a referendum on independence by 2029 if they form government, which many opponents argue would cause political instability and harm Quebec’s economy. St-Pierre Plamondon urged voters to give his party a majority government, saying it is their moral obligation once given the mandate.

The election features five main parties: the PQ, the Quebec Liberals, the Quebec Conservatives, Québec solidaire, and the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ). About a quarter of eligible voters had already cast ballots in advance polls. If elected, the PQ would represent the first separatist government since 2014 and could claim a majority despite winning only three seats in 2022.