Quebec’s new prime minister was a chip model in Norway – VG

Quebec’s New Leader Had Unlikely Start as Model for Norwegian Potato Chip Brand

Quebec’s newly elected premier, Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon, has a surprising chapter in his past: he appeared on packaging for a Norwegian potato chip brand, First Price, in 2009, according to reports. The Parti Québécois leader, who took office after his party won the October 2024 provincial election and is set to lead a minority government, was photographed in a 2009 campaign for First Price, a Norwegian snack company, as part of a photoshoot that ended up on product packaging for at least a decade, VG reported.

Modeling Days in Norway Linked to Potato Chip Campaign

Plamondon, 49, and his then‑partner posed for a photoshoot for First Price in 2009, which was later used on potato chip packaging in Norway. The images, which depicted the couple eating snacks, were part of an early design phase for the brand, according to Kine Søyland, communications director at Norgesgruppen, the retail group that owns First Price. “This is an example of a product design from First Price that is likely over 15 years old,” Søyland said, confirming the photos were used from around 2009 to 2012.

Parti Québécois Aims for Quebec Independence Amid Political Shift

The party’s platform includes a referendum on sovereignty, though Plamondon has said the vote will wait until Donald Trump has left the White House, making a referendum earliest in 2029.

Quebec’s Independence Movement Faces Polling Challenges

Public support for Quebec independence remains around 30%, according to recent polls cited by NTB. The last referendum in 1995 saw 50,58 % of voters choose to remain in Canada.

Quebec’s New Premier Navigates Complex Political Landscape

After more than ten years in opposition, the Parti Québécois is now set to form a minority government with Plamondon as premier.

FAQ

When did Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon appear on First Price packaging?

Plamondon and his then‑partner posed for a 2009 photoshoot for First Price, which was used on potato chip packaging in Norway for at least a decade, according to Norgesgruppen.

What is the current public opinion on Quebec independence?

Recent polling indicates around 30 % of Quebecers support independence, according to NTB.

When might a Quebec independence referendum take place?

Plamondon has not set a date, but he has linked the referendum to post‑presidential‑election conditions, potentially delaying it until 2029.

More on Quebec: Quebec education reform: Parent commission or states-general · Quebec Court Overturns Class Action Against Tim Hortons Over Boat Error · Quebec guidelines govern drinking water plant design