Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has expressed concerns over what he perceives as interference by the Canadian government in the Quebec provincial election. He suggested that this could be the most significant federal intervention in Quebec’s affairs and election since 1995. St-Pierre Plamondon pointed out that the federal government had consistently turned down requests from Quebec during the previous eight years of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government. However, he noted a shift in recent months with the federal government making numerous announcements.
During a campaign news conference on Friday, St-Pierre Plamondon highlighted examples such as the $11-billion investment in the Davie shipyard and the recent agreement between Newfoundland and Quebec regarding Churchill Falls. He also mentioned the $4.7-billion investment for train car construction in La Pocatière. The PQ leader implied a coordination between CAQ Leader Christine Fréchette’s campaign and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government on issues like the tariff war between Canada and the United States.
St-Pierre Plamondon raised suspicions about collaboration between the federal government and the CAQ, stating that the federal government seems invested in the outcome of the Quebec election. He expressed concerns about the federal Liberals’ reluctance to see a sovereigntist government emerge, especially as the PQ has been leading in the polls. St-Pierre Plamondon emphasized the sudden interest shown by the federal government in longstanding issues.
Fréchette, however, denied allegations of interference from Ottawa, emphasizing that the recent announcements are beneficial for Quebec and would not have occurred under a Parti Québécois government. She stressed the importance of partnerships with the federal government when they benefit Quebec and maintained her commitment to standing up for the province’s interests when necessary.
In response to the allegations, the Prime Minister’s Office affirmed its willingness to collaborate with all premiers, regardless of party lines, to bolster the economy and support workers and businesses. The federal government stated that it does not interfere in provincial elections and is prepared to work with Quebec’s government to achieve shared objectives regardless of the election outcome.
The PQ has called for an investigation by Élections Québec, while Liberal Leader Charles Milliard dismissed the notion of a conspiracy, labeling the CAQ as opportunists rather than federalists. St-Pierre Plamondon also questioned the involvement of Mission Leadership Québec in the CAQ campaign, alleging ties to the federal Liberal Party. Fréchette dismissed concerns about the group, stating that the CAQ only contracted Mission Leadership Québec to organize two town halls and does not delve further into their operations.