Latest news with #PSPP
Montreal Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- Montreal Gazette
Libman: Is another gut-wrenching Quebec sovereignty referendum on tap?
On top of everything else that's going on in this world right now, will we soon have to start bracing for another gut-wrenching Quebec sovereignty referendum? The next provincial election is still over a year away, but this week's convincing byelection win by the Parti Québécois in Arthabaska is another indication that the separatist party is cementing itself as the prevailing choice of Quebecers and heavy favourite to form the next government. By contrast, the Coalition Avenir Québec, which had owned this riding in every election since the party's creation in 2011, was badly humbled, finishing a distant fourth. It will be difficult for the bruised and battered governing party to reverse its fortunes before the next election, with no heir apparent to its leader and founder, François Legault, who will inevitably be stepping down. The Liberals have made their bed with Pablo Rodriguez, with whom they improved their vote in the almost exclusively francophone riding but still garnered only single-digit support. With Rodriguez, their chances of winning the general election, which is highly contingent on the regions, is a long shot at this point. A year in politics is a long time, but with the challenges facing its two main rivals, the PQ looks like a pretty sure bet right now. (Sigh!) So, then what? Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has steadfastly maintained a hardline position since assuming the PQ leadership, promising a sovereignty referendum in his first mandate. He needed to consolidate the party's base after devastating losses in the last two elections and hasn't wavered since. Now that the scent of power is getting stronger, some suspect he may try to downplay that commitment, which many previous PQ leaders have done before elections, to avoid scaring off less-nationalist voters. I don't expect PSPP to back down. He knows that his opponents will attack his referendum pledge and are waiting to cynically pounce, as is the media, if he shows the slightest hint of backtracking. His winning mantra during the campaign will be that a referendum allows Quebecers themselves to democratically decide their future, not him. Once in power, then, is a third sovereignty referendum before the end of the decade winnable? For the longest time, support for sovereignty had been stagnating in the low 30 per cent range, particularly weakened by U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of tariffs and annexation. But a couple of recent polls showed a noticeable bump, increasingly among young people, with the overall support in the population hovering around 40 per cent — still comparable to the 1980 referendum result. Referendum campaigns, however, can be volatile, presenting an opportunity to stoke Quebec nationalist pride. It will also be relatively easy for an articulate leader like PSPP — especially when times are tough — to resonate, with magical promises about the cure-all of an independent Quebec, primarily among young people. Also, who would lead the No side this time? For the 1995 referendum, the result was shockingly close, with the federalist leadership — like it is now — fragmented and unprepared. Will Legault's successor be from the federalist flank of the party — or the more nationalist wing, thus putting up only a half-hearted defence of Canada? Will the party split entirely along Yes/No lines? Does Rodriguez have the chops of a young and fiery (circa 1995) Jean Charest, for example, who electrified the pro-Canada rally, waving his Canadian passport? Will Prime Minister Mark Carney play more of an effective role than Jean Chrétien did in 1995, when he seemed to be begging on his knees at the last minute? And what about Trump? Will he meddle, offering to recognize and negotiate with an independent Quebec, seeing separation as a means to severely weaken Canada, thus benefiting his 51st-state narrative — stalking the remnants of a fractured country? Many things can change, but current indicators are reason for concern. We need to be much better prepared this time in girding for the unpleasant battle ahead. Robert Libman is an architect and planning consultant who has served as Equality Party leader and MNA, mayor of Côte-St-Luc and a member of the Montreal executive committee. He was a Conservative candidate in the 2015 federal election.
Montreal Gazette
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Montreal Gazette
Libman: Referendum pledge puts PQ leader in a bind
Last week's Léger poll on provincial sovereignty in Canada contained an eye-popping revelation: Among all provinces, Quebec had the greatest proportion of respondents 'opposed' to separation, at 59 per cent. Support for sovereignty was tagged at 33 per cent, near where it's been hovering for years. It's lower than support in Manitoba/Saskatchewan and well behind the 41 per cent in Alberta. Ontario was at 31 per cent. Having the highest number against sovereignty was explained by the fact that most Quebecers are already decided on the question, while in other provinces there were more who didn't answer. With a Quebec election next year, this is a warning light on Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon's dashboard, putting him in a tight spot. After the separatist party suffered its worst defeat in its history, reduced to just three seats, PSPP had to consolidate the PQ base — and he defiantly committed to holding a sovereignty referendum in his first term if elected. Despite being numerically marginalized in the National Assembly, the PQ MNAs were able to generate catchy headlines, like refusing to swear allegiance to the King in the oath of office, which was subsequently changed. As voters grew weary of François Legault and his Coalition Avenir Québec government, combined with a weakened and leaderless Liberal party, the PQ suddenly found itself leading in polls as the default option where Quebecers were parking their vote, and has led ever since. The commitment to a sovereignty referendum, however, could become the PQ's biggest hurdle in transforming its current lead into a victory in next year's election. We're entering an unpredictable political maze now in Quebec, with polls containing many ifs, ands or buts: The CAQ is seemingly in free fall. Will Legault be pushed to resign, with the hope for a momentous turnaround like the federal Liberals? The Quebec Liberal Party support among francophone voters is only 10 per cent. Will its new leader — to be chosen in two weeks — be able to change that? The PQ leads the polls with 33 per cent support, but 30 per cent of its own voters are against separation — and only 24 per cent of Quebecers think PSPP would make the best premier. PSPP has had a fairly easy ride so far in opposition, left free to launch his attacks. But as federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has learned, that's different from positioning yourself as leader of a government. And the leadership question will only draw more attention as the election comes into sharper focus. Just last week PSPP was on the defensive for taking the populist position that Quebec should lower its carbon pricing — then was pressured to answer to environmental concerns and where he would account for the $1.5-billion shortfall in government revenues. PSPP generated more headlines this week with a motion calling to cut ties with the monarchy, criticizing what many saw as an archaic spectacle in Ottawa and ridiculing the notion that having King Charles read the throne speech would impress U.S. President Donald Trump as an expression of Canadian sovereignty. Many, particularly Quebecers, believe that clinging to the monarchy is a wasteful expense in this day and age. But calling the monarchy hostile toward Quebec and francophones, which PSPP also levelled at Mark Carney, comes across as foolish rhetorical excess. In the recent federal election, a majority of Quebec voters saw Carney as the adult in the room. They want stability and poise during these uncertain times with Trump in the White House. The turbulent prospect of another Quebec sovereignty referendum would bring the opposite. Once chosen, the next Quebec Liberal leader should immediately start hounding PSPP on if and when he would call a referendum, which most Quebecers decidedly don't want. Will he back down, or will the PQ's raison d'être again become its biggest obstacle to power?
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Ontario MPPs to receive 35 percent salary increase and reinstated pension plan
Ontario's Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) are set to receive a significant salary increase and regain access to a pension plan, marking the end of a 16-year salary freeze. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy introduced legislation on May 29, 2025, proposing a 35 percent pay raise for MPPs, aligning their base salary with 75 percent of that of federal Members of Parliament (MPs). Salary adjustments Under the new legislation, the base salary for MPPs will increase from $116,550 to $157,350. Premier Doug Ford's salary will rise from approximately $208,974 to $282,129, while cabinet ministers will see their pay increase from about $165,851 to $223,909. The Leader of the Official Opposition will now be paid $244,207, up from $180,866. These changes are retroactive to the date of the 2025 Ontario election. Pension plan reinstatement The legislation also proposes the reinstatement of a pension plan for MPPs, which was abolished in 1995 by then-Premier Mike Harris. Under the new plan, MPPs will join the existing Ontario Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) and will be eligible for supplemental benefits after serving at least six years. This move aims to attract qualified individuals to serve in the provincial legislature. Live Events Legislative support The proposed changes have received support from all parties in the legislature. NDP representative John Vanthof emphasized the importance of offering competitive compensation to attract qualified candidates, stating, "When we're looking for other candidates, qualified people to actually direct the future of this province, for most of them, they have to take a huge pay cut to come here.' The legislation is expected to add $6 million in payroll costs in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, representing 0.06 percent of the total compensation awarded to Ontario's public servants.
Economic Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Ontario MPPs to receive 35 percent salary increase and reinstated pension plan
Salary adjustments Pension plan reinstatement Live Events Legislative support (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Ontario's Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) are set to receive a significant salary increase and regain access to a pension plan, marking the end of a 16-year salary freeze. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy introduced legislation on May 29, 2025, proposing a 35 percent pay raise for MPPs, aligning their base salary with 75 percent of that of federal Members of Parliament (MPs).Under the new legislation, the base salary for MPPs will increase from $116,550 to $157,350. Premier Doug Ford's salary will rise from approximately $208,974 to $282,129, while cabinet ministers will see their pay increase from about $165,851 to $223, Leader of the Official Opposition will now be paid $244,207, up from $180,866. These changes are retroactive to the date of the 2025 Ontario election. The legislation also proposes the reinstatement of a pension plan for MPPs, which was abolished in 1995 by then-Premier Mike Harris. Under the new plan, MPPs will join the existing Ontario Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) and will be eligible for supplemental benefits after serving at least six years. This move aims to attract qualified individuals to serve in the provincial legislature. The proposed changes have received support from all parties in the legislature. NDP representative John Vanthof emphasized the importance of offering competitive compensation to attract qualified candidates, stating, "When we're looking for other candidates, qualified people to actually direct the future of this province, for most of them, they have to take a huge pay cut to come here.'The legislation is expected to add $6 million in payroll costs in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, representing 0.06 percent of the total compensation awarded to Ontario's public servants.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Parti Québécois leader stands with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and her ‘strong hand'
OTTAWA — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has an ally in Quebec and his name is Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, the Parti Québécois leader. A day after Smith threatened the federal government of including a referendum question on separation in 2026 if her province didn't have the Accord, she thinks it deserves with Ottawa, St-Pierre Plamondon said Smith made a 'striking gesture' for the 'autonomy and defence of her own province.' 'It doesn't matter what referendum they hold, because obviously it's under construction. But I totally agree with provinces that stand up, that are loyal to their own Parliament, that are capable of showing a strong hand. And that's the key word, strong hand,' said St-Pierre Plamondon, who is often called PSPP in Quebec. In a in a livestreamed address Monday, Premier Smith called on Prime Minister Mark Carney to negotiate a new deal between Ottawa and Alberta guaranteeing more pipelines and changes to equalization. ADVERTISEMENT 'We hope this will result in a binding agreement that Albertans can have confidence in. Call it an 'Alberta accord',' said Smith who then called Alberta's separation 'the elephant in the room.' 'The vast majority of (separatists) are not fringe voices… They are loyal Albertans,' she said. 'They're … our friends and neighbours who've just had enough of having their livelihoods and prosperity attacked by a hostile federal government.' At a press conference at Quebec's National Assembly, St-Pierre Plamondon said it was a 'good thing' if other provinces are able to 'stand up to the federal government'. He added that 'other provinces are showing' that Canada has issues that affect all provinces in terms of 'abuse of power'. St-Pierre Plamondon then went on the offensive against the province's journalists for not covering the rebound in support of Quebec secession. ADVERTISEMENT A recent Postmedia-Leger poll revealed that support for Quebec independence, which had fallen below 30 per cent in recent month, sits back at nearly 40 per cent. Even though Canada is engaged in a tariff war with its closest ally, support for Quebec independence has reached 36 per cent according to new data. 'The most recent and most precise information is the independence of Quebec at 40 per cent, it is the increase in independence in Alberta,' he said. Léger also polled Canadians from all provinces about their opinion about their province's independence. The result was that 29 per cent of Albertans supported Alberta sovereignty while an overwhelming majority of the 2,309 respondents (71 per cent) were opposed. National Post atrepanier@ Get more deep-dive National Post political coverage and analysis in your inbox with the Political Hack newsletter, where Ottawa bureau chief Stuart Thomson and political analyst Tasha Kheiriddin get at what's really going on behind the scenes on Parliament Hill every Wednesday and Friday, exclusively for subscribers. Sign up here. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our newsletters here.
