Pablo Rodriguez, leading the Quebec Liberal Party in the upcoming elections, has raised concerns about the potential for a Quebec sovereignty referendum amidst global uncertainties linked to President Trump. Emphasizing the risks of division, he rallied support from fellow Liberals, warning of past instability from such referendums. Despite low current support for sovereignty, Rodriguez acknowledges the Parti Québécois as a significant threat. He also addressed fiscal challenges and the necessity for candidates to resolve tax issues before running.
Pablo Rodriguez Addresses Quebec Sovereignty Concerns
Pablo Rodriguez, taking the helm of the liberal troops for the upcoming provincial elections, has spotlighted the looming threat of a Quebec sovereignty referendum amidst the global uncertainties spurred by President Trump’s administration.
“A referendum inherently creates insecurity. There is nothing Donald Trump would relish more than to see us divided,” Rodriguez stated during a recent interview, positioning himself as a candidate for the Quebec Liberal Party leadership.
Rodriguez, who previously served as a federal minister, reflected on his experience with the Trudeau government during the renegotiation of the free trade agreement with the U.S. under Trump’s first term. “We adopted a pan-Canadian approach. Unity is always advantageous when facing a formidable entity like the United States,” he emphasized.
Rallying Support Within the Liberal Caucus
In a significant move, Rodriguez announced two new endorsements within the Liberal caucus: Elisabeth Prass and Brigitte Garceau. They join a roster of supporters including MPs Désirée McGraw, Linda Caron, Michelle Setlakwe, Frédéric Beauchemin, and Sona Lakhoyan Olivier.
Both Rodriguez and Prass raised concerns about the prospect of Quebec separation should a Péquiste government be elected. “We witnessed the instability it brought in 1995. A referendum has a predictable start but an uncertain conclusion,” Rodriguez declared, underscoring the risks involved.
Elisabeth Prass, speaking in English, highlighted her experience during the 1995 referendum as an active young liberal, further reinforcing the implications of such a political shift.
Despite the current historic low in support for sovereignty, Rodriguez maintains that the Parti Québécois remains a formidable opponent. “The PQ is unequivocal: a referendum will be on the agenda in their first mandate,” he reminded supporters, noting the recent polling that shows sovereignty backing at only 29%—its lowest level in five years.
In terms of fiscal responsibility, Rodriguez, supported by budget conservatives Frédéric Beauchemin and Martin Coiteux, admitted that he lacks a clear timeline for restoring Quebec’s budgetary balance. “Eliminating the deficit isn’t a societal project,” he confessed to our Parliamentary Office, noting that the Legault government must unveil a plan to address the $11 billion shortfall this spring.
Rodriguez cautioned against swift cuts in essential services like health and education, warning that such actions could render Quebec a “much less wealthy” society, even in the absence of a deficit.
Lastly, Rodriguez briefly touched on the exclusion of Denis Coderre from the leadership race, emphasizing the importance of resolving tax issues. “Anyone seeking to run must have settled their matters with tax authorities and must pay their taxes, just like every citizen,” he affirmed.