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Quebec separatism in the 'elbows up' era

Oct 7, 2026 · 28m

Summary

Host Jamie Poisson and guest Martin Patrick Quinn analyze the Parti Québécois's minority victory in Quebec, noting it marks the first separatist government in twelve years. They discuss leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon's controversial shift from advocating for diversity to scapegoating immigrants, and his pledge to hold a sovereignty referendum after Donald Trump leaves office. The episode also examines the political implications for Prime Minister Mark Carney, who now faces separatist pressures in both Quebec and Alberta amidst ongoing U.S. trade tensions.

Topics discussed

Sponsor: Citizens Bank PQ victory and the return of separatism Guest intro: Martin Patrick Quinn Why the PQ won: voting out the incumbents Return to 1960s/70s political rhetoric Record-low vote share and close results CAQ's total collapse from 90 to 0 seats Paul St-Pierre Plamondon's rise and persona 2016 report: modernizing the PQ Early views on the referendum obsession Sponsor: Perk Promo: CBC's Agent Layla 2020 leadership shift and policy reversal Criticism of anti-immigrant rhetoric Demographic shifts and backlash in Quebec Referendum promise and the Trump factor Scenarios for 2028 and coalition potential Federal relief and minority government limits Dynamics between Carney and Plamondon Immigration policy conflicts and precedents Secularism laws and religious symbol bans Alleged US interference via Dark Defense Alberta referendum and national implications Outro
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