MONTREAL — Quebec political leaders are entering their 17th day on the campaign trail today with their first debate approaching on Tuesday.
Sovereignty made headlines on Friday as Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon revealed his planned sovereignty referendum would cost at least $130 million.
Three of the five leaders argued that there were better ways to spend this money, but the sovereigntist left-wing party Québec solidaire defended the proposed expense.
Coalition Avenir Québec Leader Christine Fréchette also called herself an “autonomist” on Friday as she refused to say how she would vote in a referendum.
While the Parti Québécois has been favoured by some public opinion polls, recent surveys appear to show the Coalition Avenir Québec gaining momentum.
Quebec voters go to the polls Oct. 5.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 12, 2026.
Marieke Glorieux-Stryckman, The Canadian Press









