Quebec’s provincial election campaign has entered its 27th day, with party leaders preparing for the final televised debate before voters head to the polls on October 5.
The leaders of the Parti Québécois (PQ), Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ), Conservative Party of Quebec and Québec solidaire are expected to campaign across the province as they prepare for Wednesday’s final debate in Montreal.
The final debate will provide the five major party leaders with another opportunity to address voters on issues that have dominated the campaign, including the cost of living, health care, immigration, the French language and Quebec’s economy.
Questions surrounding a potential Quebec sovereignty referendum have also remained a major point of disagreement. PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has pledged to hold a referendum if his party forms government, while his opponents have challenged the timing and potential economic consequences of such a move.
The escalating Canada-U.S. trade war has also become an important campaign issue. Quebec businesses and consumers are facing the effects of tariffs and economic uncertainty, prompting party leaders to outline different approaches to protecting the province’s economy.
Another issue attracting attention is the possibility of political alliances if no party wins a majority of seats. St-Pierre Plamondon said Monday that an alliance with other parties was not an option, after rivals drew comparisons between some of his positions and those of Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime.
With less than two weeks remaining before election day, the campaign is entering its final stretch. The parties are expected to increase their efforts to reach undecided voters and highlight their priorities ahead of the October 5 vote.
The final televised debate on September 23 will be one of the last major opportunities for the leaders to make their cases directly to Quebec voters before campaigning enters its final days.
Swifteradio.com
