Étapisme

Étapisme (rough translation from French: step-by-step strategy) is the term for a strategy for independence dominant in the Parti Québécois since 1974. It is associated with the figure of Claude Morin, who convinced Parti Québécois leader René Lévesque and eventually a majority of party delegates to adopt its principles. Proponents of the strategy are called étapistes.

It advocates a step-by-step approach to achieving independence. Before 1974, the Parti Québécois programme stipulated that independence would be declared upon electing a majority of Parti Québécois Members of the National Assembly of Quebec (MNAs), under Quebec's first-past-the-post system. Under étapisme, the Parti Québécois would promise a "good government" first and propose a referendum on independence second. From time to time, this approach has been challenged by hardliners.

See also

• Gradualism (similar strategy in the Scottish National Party)
• Quebec sovereignty movement