Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon faced criticism from his political opponents recently when he disclosed that the estimated cost of his proposed sovereignty referendum would be at least $130 million. While three leaders in the campaign questioned the allocation of these funds, the left-wing sovereigntist party Québec Solidaire stood by the expenditure.
In an interview with The Canadian Press, St-Pierre Plamondon outlined the expenses associated with preparing for and conducting the referendum between 2029 and 2030 if his party assumes power. The budget for the referendum includes $20 million for initial studies and consultations during the early years of a Parti Québécois government mandate. St-Pierre Plamondon indicated that holding the referendum in 2029-30 would cost $110 million, with a possibility of exceeding this amount due to unforeseen costs.
While defending the expenditure, St-Pierre Plamondon emphasized the importance of consulting the public in a democratic process. The details of his party’s referendum plans will be part of the financial framework set to be unveiled on September 15, coinciding with the first leaders’ debate ahead of the provincial election scheduled for October 5.
Opposition leaders criticized St-Pierre Plamondon’s proposal, pointing out apparent gaps in the disclosed figures and questioning the unaddressed costs that might arise post-referendum. Christine Fréchette of the Coalition Avenir Québec and Québec Liberal Leader Charles Milliard expressed concerns over the allocation of $130 million for the referendum, suggesting alternative uses for the funds.
Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime also condemned St-Pierre Plamondon’s plan, labeling it inappropriate given the current economic circumstances. He highlighted the high cost of living and criticized the planned expenses aimed at influencing the referendum outcome.
St-Pierre Plamondon reiterated his commitment to holding the referendum after the departure of U.S. President Donald Trump, regardless of his party’s electoral outcome. He defended the referendum budget, stating that the cost of general elections in the province is comparable. Additionally, he argued that Quebec’s independence would result in long-term financial benefits by eliminating redundant federal expenses.
During the campaign, Quèbec Solidaire’s Ruba Ghazal emphasized the importance of extensive consultations on Quebec sovereignty, including engagement with diverse groups to ensure a comprehensive dialogue. Ghazal revealed her party’s budget allocation of $220 million for establishing an assembly responsible for drafting a new Quebec constitution integral to the sovereignty referendum.
If elected premier, St-Pierre Plamondon plans to appoint a minister dedicated to the independence process, signaling a shift from the current minister of Canadian relations. He underscored the significance of redefining Quebec’s intergovernmental relationship with Ottawa within the context of the independence project.
As the election campaign progresses, St-Pierre Plamondon remains confident in the budgetary prudence of his party’s promises, anticipating a positive evaluation of their political platform by the electorate. He assured that the financial framework to be presented would reflect a realistic budget for Quebec in its present state, excluding post-independence commitments such as the creation of a Quebec army following a successful referendum.