Ford says PQ win in Quebec would be a ‘disaster’ for Canada, as all premiers promote unity

OTTAWA — Ontario Premier Doug Ford said on Wednesday that the possibility of the separatist Parti Québécois winning the upcoming elections in the neighbouring province of Quebec would be a “disaster” for Canada.

Ford was speaking at a press conference in Ottawa ahead of the First Ministers’ Meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday. That in-person gathering could be Quebec Premier François Legault’s last, as he is set to resign as premier later this year.

Asked by a reporter about the possibility of having PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon replace Legault around the premiers’ table, Ford didn’t hold back.

“It would be a disaster for our country if the separatists got elected. It’s as simple as that,” he said.

Quebec is set to hold an election in October of this year and St-Pierre Plamondon has been largely ahead in the polls for the last two years. He has promised he would hold a third referendum for the independence of Quebec by 2030 if he forms government.

However, the political landscape in Quebec will be shifting in the next few months.

Legault, who is highly unpopular, will be leaving his position as soon as his party, the Coalition Avenir Quebec, chooses a new leader on April 12. The Liberal Party of Quebec, following Pablo Rodriguez’s resignation, will also be choosing a new leader on March 14.

Ford said it was more important than ever that Canada stay united given the economic threats coming from U.S. President Donald Trump south of the border. He said that not only would that unity be beneficial for Canada, but it would be for Quebecers as well.

“So, folks, remember that. You want to thrive, you want to prosper? You’ll prosper a lot more as a united Canada,” he said.

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt, who was at Ford’s side for an announcement about the importance of the Port of Saint John in her province, echoed her colleague’s words.

“I think that Canada is a lot stronger with Quebec included,” she said in French.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston expressed hope that the separatist sentiment brewing in Quebec and Alberta could be worked through, while underlining that it was important to recognize “that there are people with grievances.”

“But you know I’m on Team Canada,” Houston said. “I love this country and I believe in this country and I like the country this way it is, so I’m hopeful that we’ll get through this.”

He added that “breaking up Canada would be a disaster, and I hope we don’t get there.”

Alberta separatists have been collecting signatures for a petition that aims to trigger a referendum on the province seceding from Canada. Last year, the Alberta government lowered the threshold to trigger a referendum to 10 per cent of the total votes cast in the most recent general election — specifically 177,732 signatures.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe acknowledged that his province was not immune to the “unrest” around national unity, which he attributed to the decisions made by Carney’s predecessor, former prime minister Justin Trudeau.

He said he saw improvements with Carney, including by looking to existing relationship those in his provinces have with countries Canada wants to boost trade with, such as India and China.

“We’re seeing a change in tone with respect to Prime Minister (Mark) Carney and how he’s collaborating with provinces,” pointing to the recent pipeline and energy deal signed with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

“That is a significant step forward that likely wouldn’t have happened under the previous fella,” referring to Trudeau.

Smith, who met with Carney alongside B.C. Premier David Eby, said on Wednesday they had a good meeting and discussed parts of its deal with Ottawa.

Eby said Alberta had committed to keep his province in the loop as they work to find a proponent and submit a plan for the pipeline proposal.

Speaking ahead of their meeting, Smith emphasized how, despite any differences over building a new pipeline, she said her province and B.C., share many commons interest, such as when it comes to liquified natural gas and expanding the Trans Mountain pipeline.

“I have a little bit more work to do to show that we have demonstrated that we’ve heard some of the concerns of the local communities, but I’m very positive we’re going to get that pipeline to the northwest B.C. coast built.”

Premiers also lauded Carney for the speech he delivered at the World Economic Forum last week which has garnered attention on the world stage but also at home.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham said he supports the message Carney delivered in Davos, saying he “stood up for Canada.”

“All of us as premiers want to stand up for Canada. You know, we talk about Canada — true north strong and free. Let us not allow other people to dictate to us how we govern, and I think the prime minister did an excellent job.”

Ford said Carney and premiers have a role to play in making sure Canada stays united.

“He’s out there selling Canada, but it’s also our job, as the provinces and territories, to do the same thing,” he said. “It’s a Team Canada approach.”

National Post calevesque@postmedia.com

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