Lucien Bouchard urges Parti Québécois leader to reconsider promise to hold referendum

Former Quebec Premier Lucien Bouchard Advises PQ Leader to Reconsider Referendum Promise

MONTREAL — In a recent pair of interviews on Radio-Canada, former Quebec premier Lucien Bouchard urged Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon to rethink his commitment to holding a sovereignty referendum in his first mandate if elected as premier.

Bouchard, who previously served as the leader of the Bloc Québécois and as premier of Quebec under the Parti Québécois, expressed concerns that making a referendum the central campaign issue could hinder the PQ’s chances of being elected. He warned that such a focus could inadvertently benefit the Quebec Liberals.

Pointing to the historical failures of the 1980 and 1995 referendums, Bouchard emphasized the setbacks experienced by the sovereignty movement as a result. He emphasized the need for careful consideration of whether the population is truly ready for a referendum, and whether there is a realistic chance of success for the “yes” side.

As someone with firsthand experience in navigating Quebec’s political landscape, Bouchard’s advice carries weight and serves as a cautionary tale for St-Pierre Plamondon and the PQ. The former premier’s insights highlight the complexities and challenges inherent in pursuing Quebec sovereignty through a referendum.

Ultimately, Bouchard’s counsel underscores the importance of strategic planning and thoughtful deliberation when it comes to such a significant and divisive issue. Whether St-Pierre Plamondon heeds this advice remains to be seen, but the former premier’s words serve as a valuable reminder of the potential pitfalls of rushing into a referendum without thorough preparation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Aug. 21, 2025.

The Canadian Press