Canadians set to cast their ballots in B.C., Ontario and Quebec byelections

U.S. President Donald Trump loomed large over the launch of Quebec’s provincial election campaign, overshadowing discussions about a potential third independence referendum. Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette opened the 39-day campaign on Thursday, framing Mr. Trump as her primary opponent. She warned that the province faces a “full-scale attack” from its largest trading partner, citing ongoing trade tensions that have escalated since late August. The U.S. imposed 50-per-cent tariffs on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian goods, prompting Ottawa to retaliate with matching tariffs set to take effect on September 8. The political fallout from these measures has become central to the campaign, with major parties vying to position themselves as the best defenders of Quebec’s interests amid growing economic uncertainty. Fréchette’s remarks came shortly after the collapse of trade talks between Canada and the United States. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick accused Prime Minister Mark Carney of “manufacturing” a dispute over French-language requirements, suggesting the issue was used for political purposes. This accusation adds fuel to the already contentious relationship between Ottawa and Washington, with Quebec’s leaders increasingly concerned about the impact of American policies on regional autonomy and economic stability. The province’s major opposition parties, including the Parti Québécois (PQ) and the Quebec Solidaire, have sought to distance themselves from the trade conflict, emphasizing instead the need for greater control over linguistic and cultural identity. The PQ, currently leading in the polls, has shifted its focus away from immediate calls for independence. Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon announced last week that a referendum would not be held until after Mr. Trump’s presidency ends in 2029. This decision reflects broader concerns about public sentiment, as support for sovereignty remains relatively low, around 30 per cent, and has declined since Trump’s return to the White House. While the PQ has laid out its full plan for independence, it has chosen to downplay the referendum issue in favor of addressing more pressing economic and social challenges facing the province. Fréchette, who took over leadership of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) from former premier François Legault in April, faces criticism for allegedly using the trade crisis to deflect attention from her government’s performance. Under Legault’s leadership, the CAQ saw a decline in support, though it has slightly recovered under Fréchette. Opponents argue that the current campaign focuses too heavily on external threats rather than internal governance. Meanwhile, the PQ has positioned itself as a viable alternative, highlighting its economic expertise and commitment to Quebec’s distinct identity. As the campaign progresses, voters will also be drawn into three federal by-elections taking place simultaneously. In Quebec’s Chicoutimi-Le Fjord riding, former Conservative MP Richard Martel has resigned to join the Senate, leaving the seat open. The area has suffered significantly from U.S. tariffs, making it a focal point for political strategists. In Ontario, the former Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith is stepping down from federal politics to run for Toronto city council, while in British Columbia, the resignation of long-serving MP Jonathan Wilkinson has triggered a high-stakes contest between the Liberals, Conservatives, and the NDP. These elections underscore the broader political realignments occurring across Canada, with trade policy and regional identity playing pivotal roles in shaping electoral outcomes.