Separatist party projected to win Quebec election, adding new test to Canada's unity
The separatist Parti Québécois has won a minority government in Quebec, with Paul St-Pierre Plamondon set to become premier. The party plans to challenge federal authority on immigration and has pledged to hold a referendum on independence in the future.
Why it matters
The election results introduce significant political tension between Quebec and the Canadian federal government, potentially threatening national unity.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon was elected as Quebec's new premier on Monday.
Canadian media project the separatist Parti Québécois (PQ) will secure a minority win in Monday's provincial election in Quebec, making Paul St-Pierre Plamondon the incoming premier.
It marks the first time the PQ has been in power since 2014. It could prove to be a test for Prime Minister Mark Carney, setting up confrontations with Quebec over issues like immigration and the monarchy.
The party has also pledged to hold a referendum on Quebec's independence, similar to a process under way in the province of Alberta.
The majority French-speaking province has held other votes on this, in 1980 and 1995. Polls indicate only 30% of Quebecers back such a move.
Plamondon has said that vote would occur after US President Donald Trump is out of office.
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