From Nationalpost · · 1m 10s
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon's Political Shift
Quebec's sovereignty leader now vows to hold referendum he once criticized.
In brief
Quebec's sovereignty leader now vows to hold referendum he once criticized. Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, former federalist, now leads Quebec's sovereignty movement promising a referendum he once opposed. Originally reported by Nationalpost.
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon
Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon arrived at Maison de Radio-Canada for the third and final Quebec election debate on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
Political Orphan to Sovereignist
St-Pierre Plamondon wrote in his 2014 book Les Orphelins politiques that sovereignty movement obsession harms progressive causes and feels like psychological harassment to most voters.
“To the sovereigntists, I say this: your obsession with holding and winning a referendum harms the progressive cause and feels like psychological harassment to a majority of the population.”
Sovereignty Leader Emerges
Twelve years after writing his book, St-Pierre Plamondon now leads Quebec's sovereignty movement, promising to hold the referendum he once criticized.
Political Metamorphosis
St-Pierre Plamondon claims he voted 'Yes' in the 1995 referendum at age 18 but switched to federalism after law school and early legal career.
Political Connections
St-Pierre Plamondon co-founded Génération d’idées with now Industry Minister Mélanie Joly and donated $2,300 to the Liberal Party of Canada between 2004 and 2008.
Historical Precedent
PQ founders René Lévesque and Jacques Parizeau were once federalists but became leaders of the 1980 and 1995 referendums.
What to remember
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, former federalist, now leads Quebec's sovereignty movement promising a referendum he once opposed.
