Paul St-Pierre Plamondon was sworn in as Quebec’s 34th premier on Wednesday, leading a minority Parti Québécois government that includes a cabinet position dedicated to advancing the province’s independence. The ceremony took place in Quebec City, marking the return of the Parti Québécois (PQ) to power for the first time since 2014.
St-Pierre Plamondon’s government holds 60 seats in the 127-member National Assembly, falling short of the 64 seats needed for a majority. He led the party to victory in the October 5 election, securing just 28% of the popular vote—the lowest percentage for any governing party in Quebec’s history. Despite limited support for a new referendum on sovereignty among the electorate, the premier reaffirmed his intention to hold a third referendum on Quebec’s independence, although he indicated it would not take place before the end of U.S. President Donald Trump’s term in 2029.
In his inaugural cabinet lineup, St-Pierre Plamondon appointed Catherine Gentilcore as minister responsible for Quebec independence, as well as Deputy Premier and House leader. Gentilcore, first elected in a 2025 by-election, will oversee efforts to ensure the independence debate is grounded in fact and directed toward securing a prosperous future for Quebec. She was also named Immigration Minister with a mandate to significantly reduce immigration levels in the province, a file that has long created tension with the federal government.
During the ceremony, the new premier criticized the federal government for what he described as an “abuse of power,” citing Ottawa’s recent imposition of dollar-for-dollar countertariffs on the U.S. and the exclusion of Quebec from trade negotiations as examples of disregard for the province’s interests. Commentators noted that the dual portfolio for Gentilcore signals a firm stance on sovereignty intertwined with immigration policy, underscoring potential challenges in relations between Quebec and Ottawa.
The cabinet features several experienced members alongside political newcomers. Nicolas Marceau returns as Finance Minister, a position he held in the previous PQ government. Marie-Karlynn Laflamme, elected earlier this year, was named Health Minister with responsibility for dismantling Santé Québec, a Crown corporation created by the former government to manage the province’s healthcare system. Dieudonné Ella Oyono, a new member of the National Assembly and former party president, was appointed Minister of International Relations and described by St-Pierre Plamondon as a leading advocate for independence.
Earlier this week, the PQ announced that Pascal Paradis, a former MNA who lost his seat in the election, would serve as Quebec’s chief negotiator on trade disputes with the United States, working closely with the international relations ministry to boost Quebec’s influence on the global stage.
The new government is the smallest in almost two decades, with 23 cabinet ministers compared to the 29-member team of the previous administration, the Coalition Avenir Québec. The premier pledged to reduce government spending and improve efficiency. He also took on the role of minister responsible for combating homelessness, signaling attention to pressing social issues.
The Parti Québécois won an additional seat following a judicial recount announced on Wednesday, moving from 59 to 60 seats. The lieutenant-governor of Quebec was notably absent from the swearing-in ceremony, reportedly due to St-Pierre Plamondon’s request. The premier has voiced his intention to abolish the monarchy in Quebec, an action that could provoke constitutional controversy.
Former premier Pauline Marois, who led Quebec’s last PQ government, cautioned that governing without a majority presents significant obstacles, particularly from legislative roadblocks. The new cabinet’s appointments and the stated priorities suggest a government balancing the sovereigntist agenda with immediate economic and social challenges.