Parti Quebecois MNA Nicholas Marceau doesn't want to lead the PQ, but still has some ideas for the party's future that are raising some eyebrows.

The former PQ finance minister wants to give Quebecers a ballot box choice between independence and ‘renewed federalism.’

Marceau said a PQ government should create two offices, each with equal resources. One would be devoted to sovereignty, the other devoted to fighting for constitutional changes that would get more for Quebec within Canada.

“There would be a negotiator that would be chosen by the Quebec government, but would be agreed upon by the federalists. And that person, which would be a recognized federalist person, would have a team, would have a budget, would have everything required to engage in those negotiations with the Canadian government,” explained Marceau.

Marceau's proposal is giving his political opponents fresh ammunition.

“I think that a PQ government would have zero credibility negotiating with the Ottawa government about new powers if the real objective is the separation of Quebec,” said CAQ Leader Francois Legault.

Liberal House Leader Jean-Marc Fournier, who is also the minister responsible for Canadian relations, said it's a sign of trouble in the PQ caucus.

“You know, four candidates and we thought that four mechanisms was the end of the debate. No! There's a new one who says, ‘I'm not a candidate but I know how to do it.’ How is he going to rally to the leader? Because he doesn't support what the four are proposing,” said Fournier.

PQ leadership candidates say Marceau's proposal isn't realistic.

“To change Canada is really complicated now, because you need to have seven provinces out of 10 with 50 per cent plus 1 of their population agreeing with the change so that's quite complicated,” said candidate Martine Ouellet.

“I think it's just impossible to convince the majority of PQ members that if in power they will finance the promotion of renewed federalism -- even though if on the second track they do the same for independence. It just cannot be done. It's dead on arrival,” said Jean-Francois Lisee.

Marceau is not alone, however. He has the support of two others in the PQ caucus, plus a former candidate for the Bloc Quebecois.