Quebec's next premier puts homelessness first and an independence vote later
Quebec premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said Tuesday his new minority government will start with homelessness, food banks and the cost of living. His Parti Québécois won 59 of 127 seats with about 28% of the vote. He said an independence referendum will not be an early priority.
Quebec's new leader says independence can wait. A day after his Parti Québécois won Monday's election, premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon laid out his first steps at a news conference in Quebec City.
He said he wants to cut homelessness in half and plans a summit on the issue. He pledged an extra $5 million a year for food banks, CBC News reported. He also plans to freeze the pay of elected officials, form a smaller cabinet and cut the gas tax. He wants a team to protect key industries in the trade fight with the United States.
"We will govern for all Quebecers," he said.
The PQ won 59 of 127 seats, five short of a majority. Its 28% share of the vote is the lowest of any government in Quebec history, The Globe and Mail reported. The party held just seven seats when the race began. The Coalition Avenir Québec, which governed for eight years, lost every seat. Outgoing Premier Christine Fréchette resigned as party leader Tuesday.
The PQ wants Quebec to leave Canada. But St-Pierre Plamondon said a referendum is not an early priority. "We've got time. We've got plenty of urgent problems to solve," he said, according to The Globe. He repeats that he will not hold one while Donald Trump is U.S. president. He would also need votes from another party to call one.
Experts doubt it will happen soon. "The minority government renders a referendum on independence much less likely," André Lecours of the University of Ottawa told the National Post. Only about 30% of Quebecers back independence, The Globe reported.
The new assembly is split. The Liberals, with 40 seats, form the official opposition. Québec Solidaire, a left-wing independence party, won nine seats and did not rule out backing a referendum. The Conservatives won 19 seats, their first ever, and oppose one.
St-Pierre Plamondon spoke with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday and called the talk "perfectly respectful and constructive." He also wants to bar the lieutenant-governor, the king's representative, from opening the new legislature and has asked for legal advice.
Some background: This is the PQ's first win since 2012. St-Pierre Plamondon noted it comes 50 years after René Lévesque's PQ won on Nov. 15, 1976, and said his team should draw on that government's drive.
What we know: The PQ will govern as a minority and put daily needs first.
What we don't: Which party will help it pass a budget.
Where outlets agree CBC News, The Globe and Mail and the National Post all report that the PQ won 59 of 127 seats, five short of a majority.
Where they differ St-Pierre Plamondon says he will keep his promise of a referendum this term, while experts quoted by the National Post say a minority government makes one much less likely.