Founded by Denis Monière [fr] in 1985, the party was established to promote the separation of Québec from Canada.
Monière was defeated in the 1984 Canadian election that brought Brian Mulroney to power.
Under Monière's leadership, the Parti indépendantiste's influence failed to gain momentum.
[1] Jacques Parizeau succeeded Pierre-Marc Johnson as leader of the PQ on March 18, 1988, and took a stronger stance on sovereignty.
Rhéaume resigned on January 8, 1990, and the Parti indépendantiste lost its registration on June 15 of the same year.