Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon faced criticism from his political opponents on Friday for announcing that his proposed sovereignty referendum would have a minimum price tag of $130 million. While three of the five party leaders in the campaign argued that there were more beneficial ways to allocate such funds, the sovereigntist left-wing party Québec Solidaire stood by the suggested expenditure.
During an interview with The Canadian Press, St-Pierre Plamondon provided a breakdown of the expenses involved in preparing and conducting the referendum in either 2029 or 2030, should his party come into power. The projected referendum budget encompasses $20 million for preliminary studies and consultations during the initial years of a Parti Québécois government term. Holding the referendum in 2029-30 would incur an estimated cost of $110 million, according to the party’s leader. St-Pierre Plamondon acknowledged that the expenses might surpass this figure due to unforeseen circumstances.
“We believe in democracy and consulting with the public when necessary, regardless of differing opinions,” St-Pierre Plamondon remarked, defending the party’s stance on the referendum costs. These details on a potential referendum will be part of the financial plan set to be disclosed on September 15, coinciding with the first leaders’ debate of the provincial election campaign culminating on October 5.
Opponents of the Parti Québécois leader’s referendum strategy were quick to criticize the plan. Coalition Avenir Québec leader Christine Fréchette pointed out missing components in St-Pierre Plamondon’s proposal, particularly the undisclosed expenses that could arise post-referendum. Fréchette, who refrained from stating her stance on a sovereignty referendum, labeled herself an “autonomist” and emphasized the need to safeguard Quebec’s interests within Canada.
Similarly, Quebec Liberal Leader Charles Milliard condemned the anticipated expenditure as a misallocation of resources during a separate press briefing. Milliard proposed alternative uses for the $130 million, such as expanding home care services, building schools, and creating housing units.
Echoing the disapproval, Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime criticized St-Pierre Plamondon’s plan as untimely, considering the prevailing high cost of living. Duhaime decried the allocation of funds to persuade voters to support independence in the fourth year of a potential referendum.
Despite the backlash, St-Pierre Plamondon reiterated his commitment to holding a sovereignty referendum after the departure of U.S. President Donald Trump, irrespective of the government’s majority status. He contended that the expenses related to Quebec independence would yield long-term savings by eliminating redundant federal expenditures.
Additionally, Québec Solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal emphasized the importance of extensive public consultations on Quebec sovereignty, outlining a budget of $220 million for an assembly tasked with drafting a new Quebec constitution integral to the referendum process.
In a bid to streamline the independence process, St-Pierre Plamondon disclosed plans to appoint a minister responsible for independence, replacing the current minister of Canadian relations. He assured that there would be no increase in the ministry’s size under his leadership, emphasizing the intergovernmental ties with Ottawa as part of the independence agenda.
As the election campaign unfolds, St-Pierre Plamondon remains steadfast in his party’s proposed referendum budget, asserting that it aligns with prudent financial planning. He expressed confidence in the party’s comprehensive political platform, which aims to address historical fiscal inefficiencies and position Quebec within a new budgetary framework post-independence.
