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“No, no, we’re not on independence today, we’re discussing Lac-Mégantic,” the premier said.

She pledged to help the city attract tourists back to the area, eight months after a devastating derailment killed 47 people when a train carrying crude oil exploded at the centre of the town of 6,000.

But Marois confirmed for the first time that a PQ government would not help pay for a new rail line that would pass around – rather than through – the town.

“We would turn to Ottawa” for the funds, she said according to the Montreal Gazette. “They are responsible for rail transport.”

Asked if the Conservative government had fulfilled its responsibilities to date, Marois replied: “I don’t want to reopen that Pandora’s box. It’s already been complicated enough getting to where we are. We fought the battles we could fight. The important thing is that the people of Lac-Mégantic got help.”

Liberal Leader Philippe Couillard said the PQ’s constant musings on Quebec’s future only serve to hurt the province and that his political foes should tone down the rhetoric.

“Every time they hint at a referendum, Quebec is weakened,” he said at a campaign stop in Trois-Rivieres.

Quebec independence would destroy the rest of Canada because the province is an “essential part” of the country and its “distinct character” is part of what makes Canada so interesting.

Every time they hint at a referendum, Quebec is weakened

Later in the day, Marois sought to clarify the border comments when she agreed with a reporter’s assertion that an independent Quebec would be like the European Union, where there is free movement of citizens.