Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has stated that a referendum will not be held while Donald Trump is in office, clarifying his party’s stance ahead of Quebec’s upcoming election. Trump’s term is set to end on Jan. 20, 2029, giving St-Pierre Plamondon a window of over a year and a half to potentially hold a referendum if his party secures a majority in the Oct. 5 election.

St-Pierre Plamondon emphasized that the focus of the next government should be on addressing issues created by the current Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) administration. He highlighted the impact of U.S. politics on Canadian affairs, referencing Mark Carney’s campaign tactics and the influence of global uncertainties on the upcoming election.

The decision to postpone any referendum plans comes amidst concerns over impending U.S. tariffs and economic anxieties in Quebec. Poll analyst Philippe Fournier noted that while the Parti Québécois (PQ) holds a slight lead over the Quebec Liberal Party in polls, the majority of voters are not in favor of another referendum at this time.

Critics, including Conservative Party of Quebec leader Éric Duhaime and Quebec Liberal Party Leader Charles Milliard, have criticized St-Pierre Plamondon’s announcement, with Duhaime labeling him a “referendum weather vane.” The postponement has sparked debate over the clarity of the PQ’s intentions and its approach to Quebec’s political future.

Despite the backlash, St-Pierre Plamondon maintains that a PQ government would proceed with a referendum within its initial mandate. The party aims to run a decisive campaign focusing on various issues to appeal to voters, particularly soft nationalists who may desire a change in leadership without immediate referendum plans.

As Quebec gears up for the election, the decision to delay a referendum has stirred mixed reactions among political circles, with uncertainties lingering over the effectiveness of St-Pierre Plamondon’s strategy in addressing voter concerns and navigating the complex political landscape.