According to a recent survey by Léger, the Parti Québécois could have potentially secured a majority government had leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon not promised a third referendum on Quebec sovereignty.
The poll, conducted from October 9 to 12, revealed that sovereignty ranked as the second most crucial issue for voters in the October 5 election, closely trailing the cost of living. A substantial 67% of respondents disapproved of holding another referendum during the PQ’s initial term.
Political expert Karim Boulos suggested that the referendum pledge likely swayed votes away from the PQ, proposing that St-Pierre Plamondon should have placed more emphasis on economic matters and job creation.
Boulos expressed, “By heavily focusing on this issue as the primary campaign platform, Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon potentially sacrificed the chance for a majority victory.”
The analyst highlighted that the PQ leader’s fervor for achieving sovereignty may have diverted attention from more pressing concerns for voters. Boulos emphasized the importance of economic prosperity for any potential independent nation, cautioning that a sinking economy would deter support.
Moreover, Boulos raised concerns over the impact of another referendum on Quebec’s economic landscape, citing past instances where companies relocated following previous votes for independence.
The Léger poll indicated that without the commitment to a referendum, 35% of voters would have backed the PQ, representing a seven-percentage-point increase from the party’s actual election day results.
In a separate development, Albertan voters have decisively rejected a push for independence, with early results from a recent referendum showing over 75% in favor of maintaining ties with Canada.
Boulos suggested a possible link between Quebec’s election outcomes and the reluctance towards another referendum in Alberta, indicating that the sentiment of Quebecers may have resonated with Albertans.
The analyst concluded, “This outcome underscores the enduring pride that Canadians hold in their national identity.”
St-Pierre Plamondon is scheduled to reveal his cabinet on Wednesday, with the Premier-designate and the party’s minister set to take their oaths without the presence of Quebec’s lieutenant-governor, Manon Jeannotte, in a departure from tradition reflecting the PQ leader’s stance against the monarchy.
