Parti Quebecois Wins Quebec Election, Pledges 2029 Independence Referendum The Parti Quebecois won a minority government in Quebec's election with 59 seats and 28 per cent of the popular vote, pledging a sovereignty referendum in 2029. CAQ leader Christine Frechette resigned after her party won no seats. The Parti Quebecois won Quebec's general election on Monday with a minority government, securing 59 seats in the National Assembly, just five short of a majority. Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has pledged to hold a referendum on Quebec sovereignty after U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office in January 2029. Despite forming government, the PQ captured only 28 per cent of the popular vote. Pollster Nik Nanos said the big question is whether it is appropriate for a party with less than 30 per cent support to launch a discussion on separation.Nanos Mulcair Warn Against SeparationHe noted that support for the PQ is exactly the same as support for separation in Quebec, and those things work in tandem. Former federal NDP leader Tom Mulcair said the PQ will likely use the province's budget to buy ads and pick fights with Ottawa. He said the party will try to convince Quebecers that Canada is not a rich, prosperous, free country, and that they will use all the resources of the province to try to get there.With a minority government, the PQ will need support from at least a handful of MNAs from other parties to approve a referendum question in the National Assembly. The left-leaning Quebec Solidaire, which won nine seats Monday night, supports Quebec sovereignty, but it is unclear where the party stands on a referendum. There is also the question of whether the PQ government will last until 2029.Minority governments in Canada and Quebec tend to hold power for an average of 18 months to two years. Quebec last held a referendum on separation in 1995, when 49.42 per cent voted in favour of separating and 50.58 per cent voted to stay in Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney said he spoke with St-Pierre Plamondon on Tuesday and congratulated him on his win.Carney said it is a critical time for Quebec and for Canada, and that it is a time to act. Asked about the PQ's promise of a referendum, Carney said it is his job as prime minister to work with all provincial governments toward co-operative federalism. Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller said the federal government is willing to work with St-Pierre Plamondon to get things done for both Quebec and Canada.Miller Addresses Alienation Alberta ReferendumMiller, who represents a Montreal riding, said he understands the sense of alienation and frustration that can come from certain provinces, but he believes the federal government is working well with those provinces to address concerns. Meanwhile, Alberta is preparing for its own referendum on separation.On Oct. 19, Albertans will answer a question asking whether they want to remain part of Canada or whether the province should commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether Alberta should separate from Canada. Premier Danielle Smith has said she is on the side of Alberta staying within Canada, though she has faced criticism for not actively campaigning for the stay side.Former PQ leader Jean-Francois Lisee said in an interview on CTV Power Play with Vassy Kapelos on Monday that the 1995 referendum gave the rest of Canada the impression that Quebec was a dog that barks but does not bite. He said the bigger issue for Ottawa is not Quebec or Alberta independence referenda, but rather working with St-Pierre Plamondon as premier.Lisee Calls Carney Toughest CustomerHe said if you thought Danielle Smith was a tough customer with Carney, now there is another tough customer at the table. Monday's election also saw the collapse of the Coalition Avenir Quebec, which previously held two consecutive majority governments under former leader Francois Legault. Legault announced his resignation in January amid caucus turmoil and plunging polling numbers. He was replaced by Christine Frechette in April.The ongoing trade war with the United States did not help Frechette, and the party did not win a single seat on Monday. Christine Frechette has resigned as leader of the CAQ following the party's devastating defeat. The newly-elected premier has taken a first shot at abolishing the monarchy in Quebec. Alberta is arguing that voter list changes will not impact the upcoming separation referendum vote.