The majority of young Quebecers are turning their backs on the PQ and sovereignty, according to a new CROP survey that polled Quebecers between the ages of 18 and 24.
The 500-person survey found that just 16 per cent of people in that age group support the Parti Quebecois. The Liberals have more than double the number, with 34 per cent.
The group also overwhelming majority reject the idea of an independent Quebec. The poll showed that 69 per cent of Quebecers between 18 and 24 years old would vote "no" in a referendum.
“I wouldn't vote for the PQ because it will cause a lot of problems if we separate from Canada,” said CEGEP student Philippe Deschenes.
“I think it is a good sign. It's a sign that the federalist option is coming back among young people. They are more open to the world, they're thinking differently than my parents' generation,” said Liberal MNA for Pontiac Andre Fortin.
Political analyst Jean Lapierre said the PQ may indeed be the party of a single generation. The party has lost touch with youth and essentially, for the younger generation, the PQ and are sovereignty are passe.
“A lot of us have said that that sovereignty was probably the agenda of the boomers and that study does seem to prove that,” he said.
As many as 65 per cent of young Quebecers surveyed say sovereignty is just not realistic.
“We have debt and we have to lower it if we want sovereignty. If not, it doesn't work,” said CEGEP student Eugenie Pelletier.
For other young people, the p-q simply isn't inclusive enough and the party's tough stance on language is too much.
“I love the French language; it's my mother tongue, but I didn't necessarily support what the PQ was doing. It was like they wanted to abolish the English language. I think English is important too,” said university student Marilou Bouchard.
PQ finance critic Nicolas Marceau said the PQ has some work to do.
“The Parti Quebecois has introspection to do, and we will do that,” he said,
Observers say giving the party a makeover won't be easy.
“They have to reinvent themselves. The problem is that the only cement that there is at the PQ is sovereignty. So they can't change the concept otherwise they don't have any reason to be together,” said Lapierre.
