The leader of the Parti Québécois, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, has declared that the party will refrain from organizing a referendum for Quebec’s independence as long as Donald Trump remains the President of the United States. St-Pierre Plamondon emphasized the importance of separating the Quebec sovereignty issue from the fluctuations in American politics to ensure a well-informed and peaceful discussion about the province’s political future.

Stating that the upcoming government will face numerous challenges without the need for a referendum, St-Pierre Plamondon firmly stated that the possibility of holding a referendum before the conclusion of Trump’s second term is off the table. Trump is expected to conclude his second term on January 20, 2029.

If elected, St-Pierre Plamondon promised to consult Quebec residents regarding independence during his initial term in office, but only after Trump exits the presidential office. This announcement precedes the imminent launch of the Quebec provincial election campaign, with voting scheduled for October 5.

In response to the PQ’s decision, various political figures have shared their perspectives. Quebec Liberal Party Leader Charles Milliard interpreted the postponement as a sign of the weak stance on Quebec’s separation from Canada, suggesting that the move aims to influence public opinion. Coalition Avenir Québec’s leader, Christine Fréchette, criticized the timing of the announcement, labeling it as irresponsible due to the ongoing high American tariffs imposed on Canada.

The Conservative Party of Quebec’s leader, Éric Duhaime, raised concerns about the PQ’s credibility, questioning the party’s sudden shift in stance just ahead of the election. Despite these criticisms, the Parti Québécois maintains a lead in the polls, surpassing the Quebec Liberal Party and the governing Coalition Avenir Québec in overall voting intentions, as per the political aggregator 338Canada.