PQ leader says he would end Quebec ties to the monarchy

Parti Québécois leader Paul StPierre Plamondon said a PQ government would stop funding the lieutenantgovernor’s office and move those funds toward homelessness programs. Speaking during the Quebec election campaign, he argued the monarchy is an outdated symbol and said Quebecers spend up to $15 million a year to support it, including the lieutenantgovernor’s salary. He also said the party plans to introduce legislation to abolish the monarchy’s role in Quebec. The proposal drew mixed reactions from rival party leaders. Quebec Liberal leader Charles Milliard said the issue was not a priority, while Coalition Avenir Québec leader Christine Fréchette said her party has also considered changing the lieutenantgovernor’s position. StPierre Plamondon said any changes could face court challenges, but he maintained that public money should not be spent on the role.