Quebec's political landscape is witnessing a notable shift as the separatist Parti Québécois (PQ) leads in polls ahead of the October 2026 elections. Despite 65% of Quebecers indicating they would vote against a sovereignty referendum, PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, often referred to as PSPP, remains committed to pursuing independence if his party wins.

Last week, St-Pierre Plamondon introduced the first chapter of the PQ's "Blue Book," which outlines the party's vision for an independent Quebec. This chapter focuses on foreign affairs and asserts that an independent Quebec would wield greater global influence than Canada. The document states, "States the size of Quebec are more agile, efficient, and consistent. An independent Quebec will be better equipped to tackle international challenges over which it has no control as a province."

The PQ claims that Quebec could save $1 billion by establishing its own international representation, which they argue would be half of Quebec's share of the budget for Global Affairs Canada. However, questions arise about how the province could create a credible foreign relations department at such a reduced cost. St-Pierre Plamondon also announced plans to double the number of cities with Quebec's diplomatic presence, increasing from 34 existing delegations, which currently cost $72 million. He estimates that this expansion would only require an additional $20 to $30 million.

The PQ envisions that an independent Quebec would automatically join international organizations that Canada is part of, including NATO. This would necessitate a commitment to spend 5% of its GDP on defense, significantly increasing military expenditures and contributing to a growing deficit. Critics point out that Quebec's lower credit rating would make financing this debt more challenging.

Despite these concerns, St-Pierre Plamondon presents these ideas with confidence, often evading scrutiny from the media. His assertions about Quebec's potential status in international negotiations have gone largely unchallenged. He stated, "An independent Quebec will essentially be in the same category of countries as Canada, namely allies with whom the United States has an interest in maintaining long-term relations."

The PQ's proposals extend to requesting that international sports organizations allow Quebec teams to compete independently. Critics question the priority of such initiatives amid pressing global issues. The lack of media pushback on these points has led to a perception that PSPP is receiving a "free pass" from journalists.

While the separatist movement gains traction, many Quebecers remain focused on immediate concerns such as the cost of living and healthcare access. The idea of independence is becoming increasingly appealing to younger generations, including singer Lou-Adriane Cassidy, who stated, "It’s a new project, it’s a new story. Quebec today is not the Quebec of the 1970s. The new project is focused on the future, not on the wounds of the past."

As the PQ's popularity rises, the response from Quebec's federalists has been notably subdued, raising questions about the future of the province's political dynamics.