Quebec voters have delivered a dramatic political shakeup — but what happens next may be even more consequential.

In this episode of GovGurus, hosts Lori Turnbull and J. Richard Jones unpack the results of the 2026 Quebec election and what the new political landscape could mean for Quebec, Ottawa and the rest of Canada.

The Parti Québécois emerged with 59 seats, five short of a majority, while the Liberals secured 40 seats to become the Official Opposition. The result leaves the Parti Québécois facing the realities of governing a minority legislature while pursuing a political agenda that continues to include Quebec sovereignty.

Turnbull and Jones examine what the election says about Quebec voters, the challenges facing incoming premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon and whether a future referendum on sovereignty is politically achievable. They also explore how a PQ government could work with other parties on a case-by-case basis while navigating its relationship with the federal government.

The conversation also turns to the Quebec–Newfoundland and Labrador energy agreement and why federal involvement could provide stability despite the change in government. Lori considers where a PQ government may instead choose to challenge Ottawa, including the high-speed rail file.

Beyond Quebec, the hosts discuss Bill C-39 and the Carney government’s push to accelerate projects and attract investment, alongside concerns about collective bargaining, transparency and affordability.

Finally, they examine the evolving debate over medical assistance in dying and the federal government’s approach to cases in which mental illness is the sole underlying condition — an issue Lori argues will draw significant engagement from Parliament, the Senate, healthcare professionals, families and Canadians.

From Quebec sovereignty and minority-government politics to major projects, affordability and one of Canada’s most sensitive social-policy debates, this episode looks at the political questions that could shape the months ahead.