Reference News Network reported on April 28 that according to a report from the Wall Street Journal website on April 27, US President Trump's repeated economic and political threats have prompted many French-speaking Quebec voters to temporarily set aside their local nationalism. This change may affect the outcome of Canada's election on the 28th.
For months, it has been expected that residents of Montreal and most French-speaking areas in Quebec would support the Bloc Quebecois regionally and help conservative party candidate Pierre Poilievre win the election, following about ten years of governance by the Liberal Party under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Now, if the poll trends continue, Quebec voters might push the Liberals into a fourth term.
Reports said that in most parts of Canada, Trump's clichés on tariffs and his threats of annexation turned this election into a referendum on which leader is most capable of resisting him.
Many moderate French-speaking Quebecers are now rallying around Mark Carney. The western Canadian, who admits he needs to improve his French, appears to be gaining support in Quebec, as he is considered the leader most capable of protecting national economic interests.
In most federal elections, Quebecers often prioritize both regional rights and the protection of French as much as economic direction. The province holds significant influence in Canadian politics, being the second largest province in terms of electoral districts.
However, these traditional Quebec issues have been overshadowed by tariffs and their consequences. The high 25% tariffs imposed by the United States on imported Canadian steel and aluminum have affected Quebec's export-driven economy, where aluminum is one of the largest industrial sectors.
Reports indicate that polls show the Liberals are taking votes away from the regional Bloc Quebecois, whose political platform advocates for Quebec's cause and promotes Quebec's independence from Canada.
"Many Quebecers—including Quebec nationalists—feel they need to ally with other parts of Canada to resist Trump," said Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal.
The report also noted that no province is angrier at Trump's annexation remarks than Quebec, which sees its unique culture and language facing greater risks under American influence. While some Quebecers desire independence, in this election, they put aside their cultural pride. They hope to cooperate with the Liberals to give Carney the authorization to bravely stand up to the United States. (Compiled/translated by Yang Xinpeng)
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7498337836668617266/
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