Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon asserted that the Quebec independence referendum campaign is in motion, attributing its initiation to the Canadian Prime Minister. Addressing a large gathering of party members at a PQ convention in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, St-Pierre Plamondon pointed to recent remarks by Prime Minister Mark Carney as the catalyst for kickstarting the federalist “No” campaign.
During a discussion earlier in the week regarding the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City, Carney characterized the 1759 battle as the genesis of a “partnership” between the French and English communities in Canada, advocating for national unity. St-Pierre Plamondon interpreted Carney’s statements as a harbinger of future developments.
“The commencement of a new political era is evident. A fresh chapter in our narrative is unfolding,” stated the PQ leader. He further emphasized, “Mr. Carney, Quebec’s identity is not owed to Canada. Rather, Quebec has thrived in its distinctiveness and uniqueness despite Canada,” which garnered a rousing standing ovation from fervent PQ supporters.
St-Pierre Plamondon strongly rebuked Carney, characterizing him as a proponent of a “long-standing colonial legacy” tracing back to Lord Durham. He criticized Carney for perpetuating a narrative of historical distortion and misinformation through federal institutions, vowing to break away from British colonial influences and forge an independent nation.