PQ leader says not to fear referendum in final Quebec election debate

Parti Québécois Leader Paul StPierre Plamondon defended his promise to hold a sovereignty referendum within a first term, telling voters not to be afraid of democracy during the final leaders' debate of Quebec's election campaign in Montreal. The Frenchlanguage debate, hosted by RadioCanada, focused on sovereignty, the cost of living, health care and public finances. Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime and Liberal Leader Charles Milliard pushed back strongly against the idea of a referendum, while Québec solidaire cospokesperson Ruba Ghazal said her party supports independence but wants broader consensus. The debate also turned to the Coalition Avenir Québec government's record on health care and spending. Party leaders criticized the government's handling of emergency room waits, access to doctors and publicsector costs, while CAQ leader Christine Fréchette said the party had made progress despite remaining challenges. Quebec voters are scheduled to go to the polls on Oct. 5.