Ottawa — President Donald Trump’s provocative remarks and aggressive tariff policies have unexpectedly unified Canadians across political divides, particularly in Quebec, where calls for independence have long shaped the province’s politics.

Trump’s reference to Canada as a potential “51st US state” has been met with outrage. In response, many Quebecers—some of whom previously supported independence—are rallying behind national unity.

Suzanne Dumont, a longtime sovereigntist from Quebec City, said she’s voting Liberal, not out of passion but pragmatism. “We need a majority government ready to face what’s coming from the US,” she explained.

In Montreal, voters like Louis Plouffe echoed similar views, favoring strong federal leadership over regional representation. “It’s not the time for sovereignty,” he said. “Now we’re facing a crisis from the south.”

Polls show the Liberal party leading in Quebec with 46%, while the Bloc Québécois trails at 25%. Analysts say fear of US interference has boosted federalist sentiment in the province.

Experts believe this election marks a turning point. “We’re not looking at Ottawa as the opponent anymore. It’s Washington,” said pollster Sébastien Dallaire.

With Quebec’s 78 seats crucial to forming a government, Trump’s aggressive posture may have ironically strengthened Canada’s federal unity, just as it threatened its sovereignty.