Quebec separatists return to power in minority government, complicating Carney’s unity push
The Parti Québécois (PQ) won the October 2026 Quebec provincial election but failed to secure a majority, forming a minority government under leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. While the PQ promised a future independence referendum, polls show only 30% support for sovereignty. The result creates a new challenge for Prime Minister Mark Carney, who must balance national unity against US pressure with a separatist provincial government. The outcome follows the collapse of the ruling Coalition Avenir Québec and precedes an Alberta vote on separation.