Quebec Liberals holding lead as Quebecers turn their backs on sovereignty — and on Canada | iPolitics

Frank Graves of Ekos on the Quebec election and attitudes towards Canada and independence:

More interesting, however, is the surprising triumph of the status quo. In a forced-choice exercise, respondents were asked whether they would prefer to pursue complete political independence or leave things the way they are now. By a two-to-one margin, Quebec residents said they prefer the status quo.

In emotional and symbolic terms, Quebec has already left the building. Quebecers seem content with this achievement and they have little appetite for taking on the risks associated with complete independence.

Quebec Liberals holding lead as Quebecers turn their backs on sovereignty — and on Canada | iPolitics.

Suggests that while “independence is dead” in the short-to-medium term, the lack of attachment to Canada remains an issue. While the PQ will have to undergo a fundamental rethink should it be defeated today, as appears likely, I would be more cautious than some of the pundits who are saying that the PQ’s project is gone forever.