Parizeau death will help Quebec sovereignty movement: Péladeau

Pierre Karl Péladeau is suggesting the death of former Parti Québéois premier Jacques Parizeau will give the independence movement a boost.

The PQ Leader said Wednesday he believes remembering what Mr. Parizeau accomplished during his political career will have a favourable impact on public opinion. Mr. Péladeau again underlined Mr. Parizeau's qualities as a statesman – traits he believes the population will take to heart.

"I think it's pretty good for the country, it's pretty good for the citizens to remember what his actions were and I think it's quite positive for independence," Mr. Péladeau said in Quebec City.

Responding to Mr. Péladeau's observations, Premier Philippe Couillard said the onus would be on sovereigntists to prove the advantages of their option. "There'll be an increase in the questions asked for people defending this option to explain to Quebeckers how losing their Canadian citizenship will be of any practical use to them."

The next election will be held in the fall of 2018.