PQ's English campaign ad highlights economic case for an independent Quebec
Tashi Farmilo
The Parti Québécois (PQ) is making a bold move in its campaign for Quebec sovereignty by releasing an English-language video ad, aiming to convey the economic benefits of an independent Quebec. Led by the charismatic Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, the PQ is leveraging a clear and direct economic argument to garner support for a third referendum on Quebec's independence, with an unambiguous desire to separate from Canada.
The ad, which runs just over a minute, starts by underscoring the importance of health, education, and the French language to Quebecers. It then presents a stark financial figure: Quebec sends $82 billion annually to Ottawa. The narrator, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, questions what Quebec gets in return, suggesting that the services provided by the federal government are minimal compared to the financial contributions made by the province.
A significant part of the ad focuses on the federal government's overreach into areas of provincial jurisdiction and its immigration policies, which are portrayed as exceeding Quebec's capacity to integrate newcomers effectively. The narrator points out the strain on housing, the French language, and the quality of services due to these policies.
The ad pivots to a hopeful vision of what could be achieved if Quebec retained the $82 billion it currently sends to the federal government. "Imagine what we could do with that amount," St-Pierre Plamondon says, listing potential improvements such as better services in schools and hospitals, enhanced protection of the French language, and increased investment in the environment. The message is clear: independence would allow Quebec to reclaim its money and spend it where it matters most to its citizens.
The campaign's slogan, Être indépendant, c’est payant (It pays off to be independent), encapsulates this economic argument. By highlighting the potential financial benefits, the PQ hopes to resonate not just with Francophones but also with Anglophones, who might see the practical advantages of an independent Quebec.
The PQ's desire to separate from Canada and achieve full sovereignty is at the core of its mission. Unlike previous referendums, where the question's wording led to ambiguity, the PQ is expected to pose a more straightforward question this time. The party's primary objective is clearly stated in Article 1 of their constitution: "The Parti Québécois aims to achieve the sovereignty of Quebec by making it an independent country."
As Quebec prepares for the 2026 election, the political landscape is evolving, with the PQ gaining momentum amid declining support for the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), leadership changes in the Liberal Party, and internal strife within Quebec Solidaire. The PQ's clear and economically focused message, coupled with its unwavering desire to achieve sovereignty, could be pivotal in swaying public opinion toward supporting another referendum on Quebec's independence.
For more on the PQ's campaign, watch their latest video in English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6U4kOSx4ro.
Photo caption: Led by the charismatic Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, the PQ is leveraging a clear and direct economic argument in their latest campaign to garner support for a third referendum on Quebec's independence, with an unambiguous desire to separate from Canada.
Photo credit: Screenshot of the PQ campaign on Youtube: “It pays off to be independent”
