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<\/p>\nQuebec’s electoral map has been completely redrawn, with the Parti Qu\u00e9b\u00e9cois securing enough seats to form a minority government.<\/p>\n
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon succeeded in growing his party from only three seats in the previous election in 2022 to 59 on Monday.<\/p>\n
But the PQ leader didn’t get the majority he coveted, which will make it more difficult to follow through on his plans \u2014 including holding a referendum on Quebec independence.<\/p>\n
Here is a closer look at where things stand and what to expect from the next government.<\/p>\n
PQ held to minority<\/p>\n
In his victory speech, St-Pierre Plamondon promised to work with other parties and be “direct and transparent” with Prime Minister Mark Carney, setting the stage for a tense relationship with Ottawa.<\/p>\n
Speaking in English, he also addressed his “English-speaking friends in Quebec.”<\/p>\n
“I just want to let you know very clearly that I’ll be the premier of everyone in Quebec,” he said, adding, “we share the same future.”<\/p>\n
WATCH | PQ leader addresses English speakers:<\/p>\n
Parti Qu\u00e9b\u00e9cois leader addresses English-speaking Quebecers in victory speech<\/p>\n
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon took a moment to speak to anglophones in the province, saying that all Quebecers face the same challenges, and that he looks forward to solving problems together.<\/p>\n
Near the end of his speech, St-Pierre Plamondon told supporters he still dreams of making Quebec a country, speaking of the “courageous struggle of francophones” to preserve their culture.<\/p>\n
“We deserve it just as much as any other people who possess their own country and democracy,” he said.<\/p>\n
In practical terms, however, a referendum doesn’t seem likely \u2014 at least in the short term.<\/p>\n
The PQ would now need the backing of Qu\u00e9bec Solidaire, the only other sovereigntist party in the National Assembly, to push forward with a referendum.<\/p>\n
St-Pierre Plamondon said he would delay a referendum until 2029 or 2030, after U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office, but minority governments in Quebec typically last less than two years.\u00a0<\/p>\n
CAQ wiped out<\/p>\n
Just four years after winning a massive majority, the Coalition Avenir Qu\u00e9bec (CAQ) was entirely wiped off the map.<\/p>\n
The party did not win a single seat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Christine Fr\u00e9chette, who took over as premier from Fran\u00e7ois Legault, failed to win over voters frustrated after eight years of CAQ rule.<\/p>\n
“I have Quebec tattooed on my heart,” she said in her concession speech, noting she was the second woman to lead the province. “I gave everything I could.”<\/p>\n
There will be questions about the future viability of the party, which had little grassroots support and no longer has a single MNA.<\/p>\n
It was co-founded by Legault as an alternative to the old debates between the Liberals and PQ over sovereignty \u2014 a dynamic that appears likely to play out once again at the National Assembly.<\/p>\n
WATCH | Fr\u00e9chette after a difficult night:![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791294369_427_default.jpg\")
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CAQ Leader Christine Fr\u00e9chette takes ownership of party\u2019s fall in concession speech<\/p>\n
At party headquarters in Trois-Rivi\u00e8res, Que., Fr\u00e9chette thanked her National Assembly colleagues. She said the party\u2019s fall was her responsibility alone, and that being premier was the greatest honour of her life.Liberals in opposition<\/p>\n
The Liberals are in a stronger-than-expected position after Monday, jumping from 19 seats to a projected 40.<\/p>\n
Speaking to supporters, Liberal Leader Charles Milliard said Quebec voters elected a National Assembly without a majority, so the PQ will have an obligation to consider proposals coming from other parties.<\/p>\n
He said the Liberals will be reviewing proposals put forward by the PQ and considering if they are in the province\u2019s best interest.<\/p>\n
\u201cPreparing your referendum will find you facing a clear opponent in the Liberal Party,\u201d Milliard said.<\/p>\n
Switching to English, he said his party will collaborate on many issues, but \u201cthere is no way we will collaborate on a potential referendum.\u201d<\/p>\n
Conservative breakthrough<\/p>\n
The Conservatives also had a good night, jumping from zero seats in 2022 to 19. The party could prove to be a partner to the PQ on some of its shared priorities.<\/p>\n
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