Patriotism Surges in Quebec as Trump Shakes Canadian Unity
Patriotism surges in Quebec as U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and trade policies push many Quebec voters to embrace Canadian federalism over long-held sovereigntist leanings. Amid talk of Canada becoming the “51st state” and punitive tariffs targeting Quebec’s key industries, voters are rallying behind national unity ahead of the April 28 federal election.
From Sovereignty to Solidarity
Quebec, long a center of independence movements, is witnessing a rare moment of introspection. Suzanne Dumont, a lifelong sovereigntist from Quebec City, has chosen to vote Liberal—“not from my heart, but from my head”—in the hopes of electing a strong government capable of standing up to Washington.
“We prefer to be part of Canada instead of being part of the United States, if we have to choose,” says political scientist Émilie Foster.
Even voters like Louis Plouffe, who believe the Bloc Québécois defends Quebec’s interests well, are choosing federalist parties to ensure a united front against Trump’s challenges.
Trump’s Policies Hit Quebec Hard
Trump’s imposition of 25% aluminium tariffs has struck a nerve in Quebec, one of North America’s leading aluminium suppliers. The province’s forestry and dairy industries—also targets of U.S. trade policies—are bracing for economic pain.
The threat of American dominance has also triggered cultural anxieties. Trump’s executive order making English the official U.S. language further intensified Quebec’s defense of its Francophone identity.
Bloc Québécois Struggles Amid Crisis Politics
Although Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet has run a disciplined campaign, the party is losing ground. A Léger poll puts the Liberals at 46% in Quebec, far ahead of the Bloc’s 25%, with Conservatives trailing slightly behind.
Even Bloc MP Louis-Philippe Sauvé, who flipped a Montreal Liberal stronghold last year, admits frustration. While voters care about housing, immigration, and poverty, the Canada-U.S. relationship has monopolized the campaign.
“Trump won’t be president forever,” says Sauvé. “But the housing crisis will still be here.”
Mark Carney’s Appeal in Quebec
Liberal leader Mark Carney, a former central banker, has surprised observers with his appeal in Quebec, despite shaky French and controversial positions, including opposition to parts of Quebec’s language law expansion.
His technocratic demeanor and calm in crisis have earned trust, even among reluctant voters. Quebecer Claude Guay, a Liberal candidate and former IBM executive, points to Trump’s rhetoric as a decisive influence:
“The threat of the 51st state really impacts people who may have leaned toward sovereignty. Now they’re thinking: ‘Are we safer in Canada?’”
Sovereignty Debate Far from Over
While patriotism surges in Quebec, 30% of Quebecers still support independence. But the current election reveals a strategic retreat from that goal amid broader geopolitical threats.
“It’s not saying it won’t happen,” says Plouffe, “but we’re not ready.”
Conclusion
The 2025 federal election in Canada has become a referendum not just on party leadership, but on national identity, international alliances, and regional resilience. As patriotism surges in Quebec, many are choosing unity over separatism, at least for now—driven by a shared resolve to face down external threats as one Canada.
