PQ leader says Alberta referendum shows Canada’s status quo ‘no longer acceptable’

Quebec’s premier-designate says the results of the Alberta 10-question referendum reveal cracks in the Canadian federation and suggested the provinces could work together to gain more powers from Ottawa. 

Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon wrote Tuesday on social media that the people of Alberta have proven that “there is nothing to fear from expressing one’s views through a referendum.”

About three-quarters of Albertans voted on Monday for the province to remain in Canada, rejecting a proposal for a future referendum on separation. However, they also voted for their province to negotiate for changes to the Constitution to secure more powers from the federal government.

“The message they are sending to Ottawa could not be clearer: Canada, as it stands, is not working, and the status quo is no longer acceptable,” St-Pierre Plamondon said.

“Like Quebecers, they see the Canadian federation as a straitjacket that prevents them from placing their priorities at the heart of their own public policies, in order to meet their own needs.”

He said that Quebec, under the Coalition Avenir Québec government, already tried and failed to get more autonomy from Ottawa. He said his predecessors’ approach “only led to rejections and setbacks for Quebec” and accused the federal government of becoming increasingly interventionist.

The PQ leader has promised Quebecers a third referendum on independence after U.S. President Donald Trump leaves the White House. 

St-Pierre Plamondon wrote that he sees a common cause with the people of Alberta. He also promised to collaborate with other provinces “that come to the same conclusion as Quebec and Albertans: change is needed.”

Two of the opposition leaders at the legislature urged the incoming PQ government to draw a different conclusion from Monday night’s results.

Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime said Quebecers must align themselves with Alberta to secure a balance of power in the federation, but does not support secession.

He urged St-Pierre Plamondon to drop his promise to hold a referendum on independence.

Liberal Leader Charles Milliard made the same request, but did not comment on Alberta’s desires for more powers. He stressed that the Canadian federation is the best option for Quebec.

“The results reflect a desire to unite and work to build Canada rather than divide it,” he said. “Canada is the envy of the world.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026.

— With files from Patrice Bergeron in Quebec City