Yves-François Blanchet, leader of Bloc Québécois, attributes his party’s recent polling decline to fears surrounding Donald Trump’s potential tariffs. Despite the drop to 29%, he remains calm, viewing it as a natural electorate response. Blanchet believes this anxiety might actually unify Canadians against a common threat but acknowledges it has weakened support for Quebec sovereignty. He insists that independence would allow Quebec to defend itself against external pressures and anticipates that clearer arguments for independence will emerge leading up to future elections.
Bloc Québécois Leader Responds to Poll Decline
Yves-François Blanchet, the head of the Bloc Québécois, has linked the recent drop in his party’s popularity to the anxiety stirred by Donald Trump’s potential tariff threats. The latest Léger-Le Journal-TVA Nouvelles voting intentions poll shows the Bloc Québécois tied with the Liberals at 29%, marking a 6% decrease from the previous survey. This decline is even more significant with Mark Carney leading the Liberals.
Understanding the Impact of Fear on Political Sentiment
In a discussion with Mario Dumont, Blanchet expressed a sense of calm regarding the polling data, describing it as a natural response from the electorate. “The Americans have triggered a panic movement,” he explained. “When people feel afraid, they tend to withdraw a bit. It’s a familiar sentiment: a known devil is often seen as less threatening than an unknown one.” He noted that this fear could foster a sense of unity among Canadians as they face a common adversary, which he believes is a healthy development.
Blanchet attributes the decrease in support for sovereignty—now at its lowest level in five years at 29%—to this same fear. He remarked, “This fear leads to a retreat reflex, which I view with some openness, as I believe the conversation is only beginning.” He emphasized that fear has historically undermined the idea of sovereignty, asserting that current anxieties stemming from the U.S. could deter Quebecers from pursuing their ambitions.
The Bloc leader contended that Quebec could effectively defend itself against Trump’s threats if it were independent. “Quebec would not need to remain within Canada to collaborate with Canadians and Mexicans in confronting Washington,” he stated, acknowledging the fear that has been instilled by the U.S. administration.
Blanchet anticipates that the current concerns will compel the Bloc Québécois and the Parti Québécois to articulate clearer arguments for independence, ensuring that future elections are calmer and more predictable than the tumultuous environment of today. He also speculated that Mark Carney’s popularity in Quebec might diminish as the election nears, asserting, “We will observe how other polls evolve and how Mr. Carney responds to our unique needs, rather than merely courting support from François-Philippe Champagne in Shawinigan.”
He added that Carney’s lack of engagement with Quebec and its distinct values could impact his standing as the election approaches. “Between now and election day, there’s a lot of political maneuvering and discussions ahead. I welcome those debates with a sense of calm,” Blanchet concluded.
*Watch the complete interview in the video above.*