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.
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.