The Parti Québécois (PQ) is a Quebec provincial political party founded in 1968 by René Lévesque, dedicated to Quebec sovereignty (independence from Canada). The party combines social democratic economic policies with the sovereignty project. The PQ has formed government multiple times, holding referendums on sovereignty in 1980 (defeated 60-40) and 1995 (narrowly defeated 50.6-49.4). The party's support has fluctuated; after years of decline, the PQ became Official Opposition in 2022. The sovereigntist cause remains central to PQ identity, though the path to independence remains debated. When in power, PQ governments have significantly shaped Quebec's distinct approach to language, culture, and governance.