Why Quebec’s independence debate is back

Parti Quebecois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon greets supporters as he arrives for a leaders debate in Montreal on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. Quebec votes in a provincial election on Oct. 5, 2026.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

By Analysis by The Big Story podcast

Posted October 7, 2026 3:20 am.

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has been voted in as Quebec’s newest Premier.

His party, Parti Québécois, secured their minority government on Monday night’s election with 59 seats, up from three seats back in 2022. Among his plans for the province, he eyes holding a referendum in a push to separate Quebec from Canada. And although Plamondon promised to wait until US President Trump left the White House, the new Premier would still need to gain the support from the other provincial parties.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to André Lecours, a political science professor at the University of Ottawa to discuss what PSPP’s win means for the province, its future in Canada, and for Prime Minister Carney’s tenure.

You can subscribe to The Big Story podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Keep it Factual

Add CityNews Vancouver as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.

Submit a Correction

Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

Vancouver police investigating after man's pant leg set on fire in unprovoked attack

The Vancouver Police Department says it is investigating after an unprovoked attack early Wednesday that resulted in a man's pant leg being set on fire.

1h ago

Man survives being struck by train in Surrey

The Surrey Police Service (SPS) says a man in his 60s has survived after being hit by a train Tuesday.

3h ago

Government to exclude people who solely suffer from mental illness from MAID

OTTAWA — The Liberal government says it will table legislation in the fall to indefinitely exclude people who solely suffer from mental illness from medical assistance in dying.

1h ago

Provincial party leaders sound off on health care in B.C.

More diagnostic equipment and shorter wait times for surgeries were the focus of Tuesday morning’s announcement from the BC NDP.

3h ago

Top Stories

Vancouver police investigating after man's pant leg set on fire in unprovoked attack

The Vancouver Police Department says it is investigating after an unprovoked attack early Wednesday that resulted in a man's pant leg being set on fire.

1h ago

Man survives being struck by train in Surrey

The Surrey Police Service (SPS) says a man in his 60s has survived after being hit by a train Tuesday.

3h ago

Government to exclude people who solely suffer from mental illness from MAID

OTTAWA — The Liberal government says it will table legislation in the fall to indefinitely exclude people who solely suffer from mental illness from medical assistance in dying.

1h ago

Provincial party leaders sound off on health care in B.C.

More diagnostic equipment and shorter wait times for surgeries were the focus of Tuesday morning’s announcement from the BC NDP.

3h ago

Most Watched Today

2:10

B.C. legislature resumes fall session

The BC Legislative Assembly resumed its fall session on Monday, as multiple crises are playing out across the province. Cecilia Hua breaks down the points of contention during the question period.

October 6, 2025 7:49 pm PST PST

2:13

B.C. forecasting deficit of $11.6-billion

A grim outlook was revealed when it comes to the B.C. government’s finances. As Kurt Black reports, the province’s projected deficit has hit a record high.

September 15, 2025 7:46 pm PST PST

4:40

Feds to exclude people who solely suffer from mental illness from MAID

The federal government says they will table legislation to exclude people who solely suffer from mental illness from accessing MAID.

52m ago

1:19

Largest student protests in decades rock France

Hundreds of schools in France have been forced to close as students from across the country engage in the largest protest seen in the country in decades.

56m ago

0:34

Dolly Parton's nephew accused of using barbed wire to avoid being served

Dolly Parton's estate claims the late country icon's nephew Brian Seaver used barbed wire to avoid being served court documents linked to allegations of threatening Parton's estate.

1h ago