With the new Coalition Avenir Qubec government promising right-of-centre policies include smaller government and fewer immigrants, the Liberals have a shining opportunity before them to reclaim Quebec's political centre.

Pierre Karl Pladeau's comments that he is "ready to serve" if the sovereignist cause needs him have likely ignited hope in some desperate members of the faltering PQ. PQ Leader Jean-Franois Lise says he's welcome. But Lise would do well to be wary.

The first order of business at this weekend's PQ policy convention is a confidence vote in the party leader. As Nancy Wood sees it, whether they like Jean-Franois Lise's go-slow approach to sovereignty or not, Pquistes would be crazy to eject him.