QUEBEC CITY - The leader of a new Quebec political party says he wants his province to be a constructive player within the Canadian federation and exert influence not by threatening independence but by becoming rich.

Francois Legault was best known as a cabinet minister under the pro-independence Parti Quebecois but is now creating a buzz with his new party.

The Coalition pour l'avenir du Quebec (the Coalition For Quebec's Future) proposes postponing the independence debate for a generation while, instead, tackling pressing everyday challenges.

Legault is working to attract members from the two opposing camps in the sovereignty debate, and polls suggest he could become the next premier of Quebec.

He cites one way to increase Quebec's clout in Ottawa and in Canadian politics: stop using threats of independence and start building economic power.

"I think we must improve relations _ then improve our power vis a vis Ottawa,'' Legault told reporters Friday. ''And I think there are good ways to do it.

"Among other things, it means having a better economic situation and then being able to be a player that contributes to the federation _ rather than a player that receives equalization.''

Quebec has been a have-not, equalization-receiving province since the federal wealth-sharing program began half a century ago. That perpetual status as the biggest equalization recipient has created some resentment outside the province, yet few politicians in Quebec ever discuss it.

But Legault, a former senior executive at Air Transat and cabinet heavyweight under Lucien Bouchard, promises to do things differently.

He says his politics are slightly right-wing when it comes to economics and slightly left-wing when it comes to social values.

He made his remarks Friday just a few hours before Quebec's chief electoral officer announced the coalition had obtained legal status as a political party.

Supporters signed documents in Quebec City certifying they can vote and are members of the group.

Legault has promised not to hold any sovereignty referendums if he forms a government.

Opinion polls have suggested his outfit is more popular than the governing Liberals and the Opposition Parti Quebecois.

He is expected to hold a major news conference to launch the party on Nov. 14.