Quebec Separatists Win Minority Government, Premier Targets Monarchy

General16 sourcesOct 7, 2026

SplitFactual rigor 51/100

The Story

One day after winning Quebec's provincial election, Parti Québécois (PQ) leader Paul St. Pierre Plamondon, the premier-designate, announced his intention to seek legal advice on options to prevent the lieutenant-governor of Quebec from participating in the opening of the parliamentary session.

St. Pierre Plamondon stated he does not intend to swear the oath to the king when he is sworn in, citing issues with the lieutenant-governor's role and the $1.163 million spent on the office. Constitutional lawyer Frédéric Berard, however, said abolishing the monarchy unilaterally in Quebec would be nearly impossible. The PQ secured a minority government with 59 seats, five short of the 64 needed for a majority, and won with barely 28% of the popular vote.

St. Pierre Plamondon pledged during his victory speech that Francophones' battle to protect their language and culture will succeed with their own country, but vowed no independence referendum will be held as long as Trump is President of the United States due to the trade standoff. Carney called it a time for the country and discussed infrastructure funding and support for Quebec workers affected by the U.S. trade war with Plamondon.

The election results precede an October 19 vote in Alberta on whether to remain in Canada. Outgoing Premier Christine Fréchette resigned as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec party on Tuesday.

What they agree on

The Parti Québécois (PQ) won Quebec's provincial election, forming a minority government with 59 seats, five short of a majority.
Paul St. Pierre Plamondon, the incoming premier, has stated he will not hold a referendum on Quebec independence as long as Donald Trump is U.S. President.
Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with St. Pierre Plamondon, calling it a " time" for Canada and discussing issues like infrastructure funding and support for workers affected by the U.S. trade war.
St. Pierre Plamondon intends to challenge the role of the monarchy in Quebec, including seeking legal advice on the lieutenant-governor's participation in parliamentary sessions and not swearing an oath to the king.
The PQ's victory comes as Alberta is set to vote on October 19 on whether to remain in Canada or pursue a second binding vote on separation.

Where they split

CTV News and The Guardian emphasize St. Pierre Plamondon's immediate actions regarding the monarchy and the legal challenges involved, while Time and The Globe and Mail focus more on the implications of the PQ's minority government for a future independence referendum.
Time and The Globe and Mail highlight the low popular vote percentage (28%) for the PQ, framing it as a challenge to their mandate for a referendum, a detail not as prominent in all other coverage.
Toronto Star and Western Standard include perspectives from Alberta separatists who see an ally in St. Pierre Plamondon, connecting the Quebec election to broader Canadian unity questions.
The Globe and Mail and iPolitics detail Prime Minister Mark Carney's specific comments about Canada being at a " time" and his discussions with St. Pierre Plamondon on economic issues, providing more direct quotes from Carney.