Quebec anglophones greet new PQ minority government with cautious optimism

In Monday’s provincial election the Parti Québécois won 59 seats, falling five short of a majority and forming a minority government. Premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon emphasized the importance of the anglophone community, defending their right to receive election documents in both French and English and suggesting reforms to Bill 96. anglophone advocate Sylvia Martin-Laforge of TALQ said the group will closely track whether the government upholds bilingual voter information and how it treats English-language schooling, especially CEGEPs.

Political scientist Daniel Béland warned the PQ must avoid antagonising anglophones, many of whom voted Liberal, and will likely need backing from parties like the Liberals, Conservatives or Quebec Solidaire to advance policies. The PQ also reiterated its promise to hold an independence referendum, though the timeline is tied to U.S. President Donald Trump’s term and may require coalition support. The minority status leaves the government vulnerable to confidence votes before any referendum could be scheduled.