Prime Minister Carney pledges cooperation with new Parti Québécois premier on Canadian sovereignty

Following the Parti Québécois’ victory that eliminated the Coalition Avenir Québec from the legislature, Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon and discussed future collaboration. Carney said he would apply his philosophy of cooperative federalism to the separatist government, arguing for a robust Quebec that remains part of a sovereign Canada. St-Pierre Plamondon has pledged to hold a Quebec sovereignty referendum during his first term, but only after Donald Trump departs the U.S. presidency.

When asked about the referendum, Carney responded that his focus is on expanding Canada’s own sovereignty, trade and independence. The premier was elected with 28 percent of the vote, raising questions about the mandate for a plebiscite. Carney referenced his party’s 2025 federal election results when pressed on the issue.