Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, leader of the Parti Québécois, disclosed that the projected cost for the sovereignty referendum he intends to organize in 2029 or 2030, if his party gains power, is estimated to be at least $130 million. He outlined the various expenses associated with the preparation and execution of the referendum in an interview with The Canadian Press.
The financial breakdown of the referendum expenses will be part of the forthcoming financial plan that Plamondon intends to release during the ongoing provincial election campaign, which concludes on October 5. The budget for the referendum encompasses $20 million earmarked for research and consultations during the initial years of a PQ government term. This allocation will cover costs for a mobile commission tasked with examining a potential new provisional constitution, commencing in 2027.
According to the PQ leader, conducting the referendum in 2029-30 would require $110 million. However, Plamondon acknowledged that unforeseen expenses could push the total cost higher than the projected figure. Emphasizing the significance of democratic consultation, he stated, “As for the cost of holding the referendum, people will have their say, but we won’t apologize for living in a democracy and for consulting the people if we’ve reached that point.”
Plamondon reiterated his party’s commitment to organizing a referendum on Quebec sovereignty following the departure of U.S. President Donald Trump from office, irrespective of whether the PQ secures a majority or minority government position. If he assumes the role of premier on October 5, Plamondon expressed his intention to appoint a minister responsible for managing the independence process, who would replace the minister of Canadian relations.
Regarding the intergovernmental relationship with Ottawa, Plamondon highlighted its integration into the independence initiative. Throughout the election campaign, the PQ’s rivals have been pressing for specifics on the potential referendum costs. Plamondon initially evaded this question when confronted by journalists on August 28 in McMasterville but later opted to disclose the financial details upon further inquiry by The Canadian Press.
In response to criticisms from opponents regarding the referendum, Plamondon defended the consultation process by emphasizing the PQ’s objective to minimize historical inefficiencies. He affirmed that the party’s pledges have been meticulously budgeted, reflecting a cautious fiscal approach. The upcoming financial blueprint that Plamondon plans to present will represent “the budgetary framework for a Quebec in the current context,” excluding commitments such as the formation of a Quebec military post-referendum victory.
Plamondon asserted, “Quebec’s budgetary framework will change after Quebec’s independence,” underlining the transformative impact of the sovereignty outcome on Quebec’s financial landscape.