Parti Québécois Unveils Citizenship Plans for an Independent Quebec
In a significant policy announcement, Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has detailed the party's vision for citizenship in a hypothetical independent Quebec. Speaking at a party convention in St-Hyacinthe on Friday, January 23, 2026, St-Pierre Plamondon presented the latest chapter of the PQ's "livre bleu," outlining post-referendum strategies.
Dual Citizenship Framework Proposed
St-Pierre Plamondon stated that an independent Quebec would recognize dual Quebec-Canadian citizenship, allowing Quebec residents to retain their Canadian passports alongside new Quebec documents. "We don't see the interest in generating instability" by requiring people to renounce existing citizenships, he explained, emphasizing continuity with Canada's existing dual citizenship framework.
The PQ leader predicted that Ottawa would reciprocate this approach, though he personally plans to use only a Quebec passport internationally. "It will be my pleasure to present my Quebec passport everywhere I go in the world," he remarked.
Automatic Citizenship for Quebec Residents
Under the PQ's plan:
- Quebec residents with Canadian citizenship would automatically receive Quebec citizenship upon independence.
- Children with at least one Quebecer parent would be eligible for citizenship.
- Canadians born in Quebec but living elsewhere could obtain Quebec citizenship.
- Permanent residents would have their time in Quebec counted toward citizenship requirements.
Extended Offer to Canadian Francophones
In a notable expansion, the PQ proposes offering Quebec citizenship to francophones living in other Canadian provinces. St-Pierre Plamondon defined eligible francophones as those who received primary and secondary education in French.
"We intend to be helpful and co-operative," he said, citing meetings with francophone communities in New Brunswick and Alberta. The offer includes financial assistance and a fast-tracked citizenship path, though he acknowledged not everyone would accept.
Anglophone Organizations and Work Permits
Regarding anglophone groups in Quebec that receive federal funding, St-Pierre Plamondon promised either continued support from Canada or equivalent funding from Quebec. "We need to guarantee that things that make organizations work will continue working," he asserted.
For Canadians outside Quebec seeking to live and work in the province, the PQ expressed a "liberal vision" toward work permits, with details to be covered in future policy chapters. "The last thing you want in this transition is to complicate the life of a company that just wants to operate in Quebec," he noted.
Political Context and Next Steps
The announcement comes as the PQ prepares for the October provincial election, having pledged to hold a third independence referendum if elected. The three-day convention in St-Hyacinthe is focused on policy development for this campaign.
This citizenship proposal represents a pragmatic approach to Quebec independence, aiming to minimize disruption while strengthening ties with francophone communities across Canada. The PQ's strategy reflects ongoing debates about Quebec's place within Confederation and the practical implications of sovereignty.
