Overview
- The Canadian Press decision desk projected the Parti Québécois would form the next government after votes counted on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, with the party leading or elected in roughly 59–60 ridings.
- PQ leader Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon reaffirmed his promise to pursue a referendum on Quebec independence but said any vote would not be held before U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office in 2029.
- The Quebec Conservatives achieved a historic breakthrough under Éric Duhaime, winning enough seats to be a potential kingmaker in a minority legislature and signaling they could block a referendum vote.
- The governing Coalition Avenir Québec was effectively routed and won no seats, while the Quebec Liberals emerged as the official Opposition and Québec solidaire retained a smaller left‑wing presence.
- The PQ platform includes cuts to temporary immigration and plans to abolish the lieutenant‑governor’s office, moves that would prompt constitutional challenges and raise short‑term uncertainty about services, investment and relations with Ottawa.