Federal Minister Slams PQ Sovereignty Plans
Federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly has launched a sharp critique against Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, accusing him of wanting to hand Quebec over to Donald Trump through his sovereignty vision. The comments came during a heated exchange on Parliament Hill on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
Quebec-US Relations at Heart of Controversy
Joly's criticism follows recent revelations by the PQ leader about his plans for an independent Quebec's international relations. St-Pierre Plamondon had advocated for closer ties with the United States, arguing that Quebec should maintain direct and constructive relations despite current American instability.
The PQ leader claimed that Canada is no longer a shield for Quebec but rather a cacophony. He emphasized the importance of Quebec speaking with its own voice and establishing diplomacy in Washington that would be less arrogant and more down-to-earth than Canada's recent approach.
St-Pierre Plamondon has announced plans to tour the United States in early 2026 to advance his vision of Quebec-US relations.
Currency Proposal Draws Economic Concerns
Joly also targeted the PQ's controversial proposal to create a separate Quebec currency if the province achieves independence. The federal minister warned that Quebecers' purchasing power would decline significantly under such a scenario.
We know that any currency depends on the size of the economy, Joly stated. Although Quebec's economy is significant, it is still much smaller than Canada's.
Despite the PQ's push for a Quebec currency, the party has indicated it would create an independent commission to make recommendations about monetary policy should Quebec become a country. This commission could potentially advise against creating a separate currency.
Joly emphasized that her goal is to ensure Quebec has more powers and a better economy within the Canadian federation, rather than pursuing what she characterized as risky sovereignty experiments.
