Separatists win Quebec election in test for Canada PM
Separatist party Parti Quebecois won provincial elections in Quebec, though they fell short of a majority government. The result introduces political instability as the party plans to push for a referendum on independence from Canada.
Why it matters
The win challenges the national unity of Canada during a period of economic tension and external pressure from the United States.
Separatists won provincial elections in Quebec on Monday (October 5, 2026), with a promise to hold a vote on leaving Canada after U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office, testing Prime Minister Mark Carney's message of national unity.
But the Parti Quebecois fell short of a majority government in Canada's French-speaking province, offering some solace for the federalist camp.
The PQ win still upends Canada's political landscape as the country confronts a trade war and annexation threats levelled by the United States.
It also comes just two weeks before Canada's oil-producing province of Alberta, an economic powerhouse, holds a separate vote on whether it wants to begin the process of leaving Canada.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in