Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has asserted that the push for a Quebec independence referendum is already in motion, attributing the initiation of this campaign to the Canadian Prime Minister. Addressing a large audience of party members at a PQ conference in Saint-Hyacinthe, Que., St-Pierre Plamondon pointed to recent statements made by Prime Minister Mark Carney as the catalyst for kickstarting the federalist “No” campaign.
During a recent discussion about the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City, Carney characterized the 1759 battle as the commencement of a “partnership” between French and English communities in Canada, advocating for national unity. St-Pierre Plamondon interpreted Carney’s remarks as a foreshadowing of future developments.
“A new era in our political landscape has dawned. A fresh phase in our historical journey lies ahead,” articulated the PQ leader. He continued, “Mr. Carney, Quebec’s existence is not owed to Canada. Rather, Quebec has thrived in its uniqueness and distinctiveness despite Canada,” evoking a rousing response from the fervent supporters of the PQ.
Expressing strong disapproval of Carney’s stance, St-Pierre Plamondon rebuked him on Friday, alleging his involvement in a “long-standing colonial tradition” tracing back to Lord Durham. “This legacy entails distorting facts and history and perpetuating falsehoods through federal institutions,” he remarked. “We are determined to sever ties with British colonialism and forge our own nation.”