“Are things getting better in the hospitals? Are things getting better in the schools? Is the cost of living getting better? Have we made progress on homelessness? Have we made progress on the population’s mental and physical health? I think there’s been a decline.”

Asked about his promise to hold a referendum on Quebec sovereignty after Trump leaves office, the PQ leader said he would push ahead even without a majority government.

“I have an obligation to keep my promises,” he said.

St-Pierre Plamondon said he was urging voters to elect a majority PQ government, arguing it would give his party greater freedom to act on issues such as health, education and homelessness.

Liberal Party Leader Charles Milliard said that Quebecers who want to remain part of Canada “have only one option.”

Trump serves as a “beautiful reminder” of the importance of federalism, he argued.

“Trump would like nothing more than a referendum to divide the country he is trying to conquer, at least economically,” said Milliard.

While the American president is “a difficult negotiator,” he said Quebec can work more closely with the rest of the country to find solutions. He called it “a privilege” to be part of Canada.

He suggested using Quebec’s energy as leverage.

Meanwhile, Québec solidaire leader Ruba Ghazal focused on her promises to every day Quebecers.

She touted her party’s plan to tax the ultrarich and improve social services, saying she is inspired by Scandinavian countries and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

She stressed that her party is the only one not suggesting austerity measures.

“Amid this tariff war, where are the people looking to? The state. How do we help people if we’re cutting services?” she said.

“Quebecers don’t need to be told things are going poorly. All they have to do is read the headlines and look outside. We want to tell them it can get better.”

Asked if she would support the PQ’s sovereignty referendum, Ghazal said her party would campaign for an independent Quebec and also advocate for large public consultations to ensure “everyone is on board.”

“It’s not one party that will build a country,” she said.

Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime called on voters Tuesday to give his party the ”balance of power” in a minority legislature so it could “block any referendum project.”

The leaders were also asked Wednesday about their ideas around Quebec’s oil and gas.

Asked if she would consider fracking for shale gas, Fréchette said she would need to ensure “social acceptability” for any project.

Duhaime, however, said Quebec should rely on its natural gas resources to support its economy, especially amid a trade conflict.

“Donald Trump is holding the stick,” he said. “I’m always inspired by winners.”

All leaders but St-Pierre Plamondon said they were open to working with other parties if a minority government was formed.

The campaign has been dominated by concerns over U.S. tariffs, the cost of living, education and language.

The leaders are set to participate in their first debate, broadcast on TVA, on Sept. 15. Leaders will then face off in a second debate on Noovo.

The final Radio-Canada debate will be held Sept. 23.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 9, 2026.

Erika Morris, The Canadian Press