Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged Quebec’s new government to focus on immediate economic challenges rather than a potential independence referendum years from now. 

The separatist Parti Québécois, led by Premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, won 59 of Quebec’s 127 legislative seats but fell five short of a majority. 

Plamondon has pledged to pursue another independence referendum but says he will wait until U.S. President Donald Trump is no longer in office, citing the current political and economic uncertainty, The Hill has reported.

Carney said Ottawa would work with Quebec on affordable housing, infrastructure, economic growth and assistance for workers affected by U.S. tariffs, emphasizing what he called “cooperative federalism.” 

The election has renewed debate over Canadian national unity, particularly as Alberta prepares for an Oct. 19 vote on whether to hold its own independence referendum, while support for Quebec independence remains around 30%.