Here's a breakdown of what that means:
* Sovereigntist: The PQ advocates for Quebec's independence from Canada. They believe that Quebec should become a sovereign nation, separate from the rest of Canada.
* Political party: The PQ is a political party that aims to win elections and govern the province of Quebec.
Key Beliefs and Goals:
* Quebec Nationalism: The PQ promotes the idea of a distinct Quebec identity and culture, different from that of the rest of Canada.
* Economic Independence: They believe that Quebec would be better off economically as a sovereign nation, able to control its own resources and economic policies.
* Social Justice: The PQ generally supports social justice causes, including universal healthcare, social programs, and promoting equality.
* Language Protection: The PQ strongly advocates for the protection of the French language in Quebec.
History and Impact:
* Founded in 1968, the PQ has been a major force in Quebec politics, winning several elections and governing the province for significant periods.
* They have held referendums on sovereignty in 1980 and 1995, though both were unsuccessful.
* Despite its goal of independence, the PQ has also supported some federal policies, including the Canada Health Act.
Current Status:
* The PQ is currently the official opposition party in the National Assembly of Quebec.
* While their focus remains on Quebec's independence, the party has recently moderated its stance on the issue, acknowledging that it needs to be a realistic goal.
Key Figures:
* René Lévesque: The founding leader of the PQ, he was a key figure in promoting Quebec nationalism and sovereignty.
* Jacques Parizeau: Former Premier of Quebec, he led the PQ during the 1995 referendum.
* Pierre Karl Péladeau: Former leader of the PQ, he championed a more aggressive approach to independence.
The Parti Québécois continues to be a significant force in Quebec politics, though its future and the likelihood of Quebec's independence remain uncertain.