Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon faced criticism from opponents on Friday following the disclosure that his proposed sovereignty referendum would carry a price tag of at least $130 million. While some campaign leaders argued there were more beneficial ways to allocate these funds, the Quèbec Solidaire party, known for its sovereigntist views, stood behind the projected expenditure.
During an interview with The Canadian Press, St-Pierre Plamondon outlined the expenses associated with organizing and conducting the referendum in either 2029 or 2030 under a Parti Québécois government. The proposed budget includes $20 million for preliminary studies and consultations during the initial years of the party’s mandate. Holding the referendum in 2029-2030 would require $110 million, according to the party leader, who acknowledged the possibility of surpassing this amount due to unforeseen costs.
St-Pierre Plamondon emphasized the importance of democratic principles and public consultation in the decision-making process, stating, “People will have their say, but we won’t apologize for living in a democracy and for consulting the people if we’ve reached that point.” The specifics of his party’s referendum plan will be disclosed in the financial framework set to be unveiled on September 15, coinciding with the first leaders’ debate of the provincial election campaign culminating with the voting day on October 5.
Opposition leaders, including Christine Fréchette of the Coalition Avenir Québec and Quebec Liberal Leader Charles Milliard, criticized the proposed referendum budget. Fréchette highlighted the absence of details regarding post-referendum costs and expressed concerns about the financial implications of a sovereign Quebec. Milliard condemned the allocation of $130 million for the referendum, suggesting alternative investments in crucial public services such as healthcare and education.
Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime also condemned St-Pierre Plamondon’s plan, deeming it inappropriate given the current economic challenges faced by citizens. Duhaime criticized the timing of the proposed expenses and raised concerns about the persuasion tactics leading up to the referendum vote.
St-Pierre Plamondon reaffirmed his commitment to holding a sovereignty referendum post the departure of U.S. President Donald Trump, regardless of his party’s government status. He defended the referendum budget by comparing it to the costs of general elections in the province and emphasized the potential long-term savings resulting from Quebec’s independence.
Additionally, Quèbec Solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal advocated for extensive consultations on Quebec sovereignty, underscoring the importance of engaging various stakeholders in the decision-making process. Ghazal noted her party’s allocation of $220 million for an assembly tasked with drafting a new Quebec constitution integral to the sovereignty referendum.
If elected premier on October 5, St-Pierre Plamondon vowed to appoint a minister dedicated to the independence process, emphasizing the PQ’s commitment to managing government expenditures effectively. He dismissed criticism regarding the cost of the referendum, asserting that his party’s financial planning was conservative and responsible.
As the election campaign progresses, St-Pierre Plamondon remains confident in his party’s budgetary approach and promises, stressing that the forthcoming financial framework will outline Quebec’s financial landscape within the current context. He clarified that certain post-referendum commitments, such as establishing a Quebec army in the event of a “Yes” vote, will not be factored into the financial framework.
