Plamondon puts Quebec’s independence back at the center: The province deserves country status

Following the Parti Québécois’ victory in the local elections, its leader, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, confirmed his intention to hold a new referendum on the independence of the French-speaking Canadian province.

During a speech to supporters in Montreal, he declared that Quebec deserved to become a “country,” defending the idea that the province’s French-speaking people should have their own state and the recognition that comes with it.

“The courageous struggle of French speakers in America to preserve their cultural differences will be justified when this people has its own country and the recognition that it brings,” Plamondon said.

The leader of the Parti Québécois added: “It deserves it, and so do we, just like other peoples who have their own countries and democracies.”

Plamondon described independence as a matter of “survival,” making clear that the party would continue its efforts to hold a new referendum on Quebec’s separation from Canada.

The Parti Québécois supports the province’s independence. Quebec has held two referendums on the issue, in 1980 and 1995.