Doug Ford clashes with Parti Québécois leader over sovereignty

Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned a Parti Québécois victory would be "a disaster" for Canada, and PQ leader Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon criticized the intervention and said his party would hold a sovereignty referendum by 2030 if elected.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford repeated that a Parti Québécois victory would be "a disaster" for Canada, prompting criticism from PQ leader Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon. The remarks followed a meeting of premiers in Ottawa where unity and questions about provincial sovereignty were discussed. St‑Pierre Plamondon said he expected "fear campaigns" and described Ford's intervention as "bad theatre." Quebec Premier François Legault and Prime Minister Mark Carney said the decision on Quebec's future belongs to Quebecers. Key points: - Ford warned a Parti Québécois win would be "a disaster" for Canada and said he did not regret using that word. - Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon criticized outside interference, called the intervention "bad theatre," and said he expected fear campaigns against the PQ. - Québec Premier François Legault and Prime Minister Mark Carney said it is up to Quebecers to decide on the province's future and said interference was not appropriate. - St‑Pierre Plamondon said a sovereign Quebec would keep close ties with Canada and promised a sovereignty referendum by 2030 if the PQ wins the October provincial election. Summary: The exchange highlights tensions over Quebec sovereignty as the province heads toward an October election. Ford framed a PQ win as damaging to Canadian unity, while St‑Pierre Plamondon pushed back and set a referendum timeline. The next major public milestone is the October provincial election.