Quebec Premier Pauline Marois (left picture) has promised to publish a white paper on the future of Quebec if her Parti Quebecois (PQ) wins the next Quebec National Assembly election. The promise by Marois recalls what did in 1979 then-Premier of Quebec Rene Levesque, when he too released a white paper on a new relationship "between equals" with Canada. The publication of the paper preceded the announcement of the 1980 sovereignty referendum, where "yes" was defeated, standing at 40% of the vote.

According to La Presse, Marois believes that it is high time to "take stock" of previous years and to think about "the path to be taken". Quebec and Canadian media say the announcement has "election flavour". For months Quebec newspapers have been writing that a snap election (the current term expires in 2016) is likely.

Upward trend for PQ

By calling a snap election, Marois could try to get an absolute majority that her party currently does not enjoy. After the 2012 election, PQ formed a minority government. The sovereignist party holds 54 out of 125 seats in the Quebec National Assembly. The Liberal Party (PLQ, Canadian federalism) has 50 seats, the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ, Quebec nationalism) has 19, and Quebec Solidaire (QS, pro-independence) holds 2.

Polls say that if an election was now held, PQ, PLQ and QS would increase their share of vote while CAQ would lose considerable ground. If compared to previous surveys, PQ shows an upward trend, while PLQ appears to be losing support.

Quebecers will not be pushed to referendum, says Marois

Marois wants to hold a third referendum (after those of 1980 and 1995) on Quebec sovereignty. But the Premier has added that it will only be called "at an appropriate time" and that, in any case, the decision will not be taken hastily: "We will not push Quebecers" to a new referendum, she has argued.

Regular series of surveys prepared by CROP institute show that "yes" to independence is now at its highest point in the last three years. CROP data say that 44% of Quebecers would now vote in favor of secession, while 56% would oppose it. In November 2011, "yes" stood at 33%.