Last week, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, the leader of the Parti Québécois, made headlines during his visit to Calgary, Alberta. He engaged with local separatist groups in a notable display of ecumenical outreach. Plamondon was invited to a “fireside chat” hosted by the University of Calgary School of Public Policy, where he reiterated key arguments for Quebec's independence.

During the event, Plamondon emphasized that Quebec never consented to the constitutional agreements of 1982 or 1867. He expressed concerns about the decline of the French language in North America and criticized the federal government for its reliance on ethnic clientele-building, which he believes leads to misguided policy decisions.

Plamondon's approach marks a shift from previous Parti Québécois leaders, as he actively seeks connections with separatist movements beyond Quebec. He described Alberta's separatist movement as “legitimate” and acknowledged the province's “genuine identity.” His discussions included a private meeting with leaders of the Alberta Prosperity Project, who celebrated his recognition of their role in Alberta's separatist aspirations.

Historically, the momentum for Alberta separatism waned in the 1980s, often due to internal divisions among political radicals. Plamondon reminded his audience that Quebec's potential secession could eliminate fiscal equalization payments, which he labeled as “toxic” and detrimental to Quebec's growth.

However, some observers caution that Plamondon's outreach may be a misstep for Alberta separatists. He noted that he shares little ideological common ground with Albertans, which raises questions about the viability of their alliance. Additionally, he downplayed the significance of pipeline disputes between Alberta and Quebec, a contentious issue in the region.

Looking ahead, Plamondon's efforts may be aimed at garnering support for a potential third referendum on Quebec's independence. In past referendums, organized support from the rest of Canada was overwhelmingly pro-federalist. However, the political landscape may have shifted by 2028, when another referendum could occur. The concept of “national unity” has diminished in its previous strength, as recent federal policies have sparked debate over Canadian identity and history.

As Plamondon seeks allies, the future of Alberta separatism remains uncertain, with many questioning its long-term prospects.