For half a century, Quebec politics have been dominated by the split between those who wanted to stay inside the Canadian federation and those who wanted out.
READ MORE: Already campaigning for Quebec’s 2018 election?
But the 10 months leading up to October’s provincial election will be different.
READ MORE: CAQ presents solutions for ‘broken’ Quebec health system
There is a new division in Quebec, between those living in Montreal and citizens elsewhere in the province.
Get daily National news
READ MORE: CAQ in campaign mode as caucus meets in Shawinigan
The consistent and sustained rise in the polls of the legislature’s third-largest party, the federalist Coalition Avenir Quebec, reflects this new reality.
READ MORE: PQ leader ‘set trap’ with ‘bonjour-hi,’ Couillard speaks English in QP
Polling indicates the six-year-old party has a serious shot at government – including a majority – without the need to win a single seat on the island of Montreal, a breakdown that hasn’t happened in Quebec’s modern political history.
READ MORE: Couillard’s Liberals promise guaranteed minimum income for some Quebecers
Coalition leader François Legault promises his party will never hold a referendum on Quebec sovereignty.
READ MORE: Quebec to spend heavily to boost digital services throughout the province
He says his party will focus on the economy, education and making Quebec more rich.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.