Quebec provincial election campaign

During the Quebec provincial election campaign, Parti Québécois (PQ) leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has focused on economic reform, immigration, and allegations of political interference.

In late August, Plamondon outlined an economic platform in Drummondville centered on reducing direct corporate subsidies and abolishing the Economic Development Fund. He proposed prioritizing small and medium-sized enterprises through tax reforms and reduced bureaucracy, while also addressing regional healthcare reorganization and the battery sector.

By early September, the campaign intensified around tensions regarding immigration and federal involvement. Plamondon accused opponents of distorting his remarks linking immigration to the decline of the French language and overcrowded schools. He further alleged that the federal government is engaging in the “greatest interference” in Quebec affairs since 1995 by supporting the governing Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) through major project announcements, such as hydro-electricity agreements and transit contracts. The PQ has also called for an investigation into a CAQ contract awarded to Mission Leadership Québec, which the party claims is linked to the Liberal Party of Canada. CAQ leader Christine Fréchette has denied these claims, asserting that federal partnerships are pursued for the benefit of Quebec.

In response to the housing affordability crisis, the PQ has proposed a plan to reimburse the Quebec Sales Tax (TVQ) on new home purchases and self-construction, alongside increasing the first-time homebuyer tax credit to $3,000. To balance housing supply and demand, Plamondon proposed halving the number of temporary immigrants from 500,000 to 250,000. Additionally, he reaffirmed that the PQ will pursue a sovereignty referendum regardless of whether the party wins a majority or minority government, a stance criticized by Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime and Liberal Leader Charles Milliard.