Quebec referendum campaign is already underway, PQ leader says

Parti Québécois leader Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon told a convention that the referendum campaign for Quebec independence is already underway and blamed Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent remarks for effectively launching the federalist 'No' campaign.

Parti Québécois leader Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon said the referendum campaign for Quebec independence is already under way as he addressed hundreds of party members at a convention in Saint‑Hyacinthe. He blamed recent remarks by Prime Minister Mark Carney for effectively launching the federalist "No" campaign. Carney had spoken earlier about the 1759 battle on the Plains of Abraham, describing it as the start of a partnership between French and English people in Canada and calling for national unity. St‑Pierre Plamondon framed those comments as a sign that a new political cycle is opening and emphasized Quebec's distinct history and specificity. Key points: - Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon spoke to hundreds of party members at a PQ convention in Saint‑Hyacinthe and said the referendum campaign is already underway. - He said Prime Minister Mark Carney's comments about the Plains of Abraham effectively launched the federalist "No" campaign. - Carney described the 1759 battle as the start of a partnership between French and English people and called for national unity. - St‑Pierre Plamondon said Quebec has survived in its difference and specificity despite Canada and said a new political chapter is opening. - He accused Carney of being part of a long tradition of colonialism dating back to Lord Durham and said the PQ will seek to break with British colonialism and create its own country. Summary: St‑Pierre Plamondon's remarks reflect a sharpening of sovereignty rhetoric within the Parti Québécois and a direct response to federal commentary about national unity. Undetermined at this time.