TORONTO — The Parti Québécois (PQ), a separatist party advocating for Quebec’s independence from Canada, has won the province’s provincial election held Monday, returning to power after eight years of rule by the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ). The victory of PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon marks a renewed focus on Quebec’s sovereignty question in provincial politics.

The PQ secured the largest number of seats in Quebec’s 127-seat National Assembly. However, it remained unclear whether the party achieved the 64 seats required for an outright majority. Should the PQ fall short of a majority, it would need to govern as a minority administration, relying on support from opposition members to pass legislation and retain confidence.

St-Pierre Plamondon has pledged to hold another referendum on Quebec’s independence, though the timing depends on political conditions. He has indicated an intention to postpone such a referendum until after the presidency of U.S. President Donald Trump, citing the international context as a factor.

Christine Fréchette, leader of the CAQ, conceded defeat following the election results, acknowledging voters’ decision and taking full responsibility for the outcome, which she described as “difficult.”

The PQ’s return to power brings the sovereignty debate to the forefront once again, reviving longstanding discussions about Quebec’s future within Canada. The depth of the party’s legislative mandate will influence its ability to pursue its referendum plans and negotiate the province’s political trajectory in the coming months.