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Quebec election campaign enters 17th day as leaders' debates approach

  • Marieke Glorieux-Stryckman

    Marieke Glorieux-Stryckman

  • Canadian Press

  • September 12, 2026

Quebec Parti Quebecois Leader, Paul St-Pierre-Plamondon, speaks at a press conference held at the Valpierre dairy farm in Monceau, Quebec on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. He is accompanied by Parti Quebecois candidates Alex Boissonneault (left) and Jerome Gagnon. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Karoline Boucher

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 Quebecois 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 Quebec solidaire defended the proposed expense.

Coalition Avenir Quebec Leader Christine Frechette also called herself an "autonomist" on Friday as she refused to say how she would vote in a referendum.

While the Parti Quebecois has been favoured by some public opinion polls, recent surveys appear to show the Coalition Avenir Quebec gaining momentum.

Quebec voters go to the polls Oct. 5.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 12, 2026.