Quebec Election Campaign Heats Up as Trump and Trade War Take Centre Stage

Quebec’s provincial election campaign has officially heated up ahead of the October 5 vote, with U.S. President Donald Trump and the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade war emerging as major campaign issues. The focus on international economic tensions has, at least for now, pushed traditional provincial issues and the independence referendum debate further into the background.

Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) Leader and Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette launched her campaign by portraying Trump as her party’s “real adversary.” She argued that Trump’s tariffs and economic policies pose a serious threat to Quebec and that the CAQ is best positioned to provide stability and protect the province during the trade conflict.

Meanwhile, the separatist Parti Québécois (PQ), led by Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, is also emphasizing its economic credentials and presenting itself as capable of protecting Quebec from the impact of Trump’s trade policies. Plamondon has significantly toned down the referendum issue, saying the PQ would not hold an independence referendum while Trump remains in office.

Recent polling has shown support for Quebec independence at around 30%, adding to the pressure on the PQ to appeal to voters beyond its traditional sovereigntist base.