Prime Minister Paul Martin has slammed a statement by new Parti Quebecois Leader André Boisclair that he would ignore the Clarity Act's provisions in any future referendum.

"Today, André Boisclair, the newly elected leader of the separatist Parti Québécois has confirmed not only that he will press a referendum on separation as quickly as possible should he ever be elected Premier but disturbingly, he has also publicly declared his intention to ignore the law of the land," Martin said Sunday in a statement released by his office.

"It is unacceptable and should be recognized as such by all those who believe in the integrity of the democratic process and the rule of law. This will be a test of the Bloc Québécois' commitment to the rule of law."

Boisclair made statements on the weekend that Quebecers don't need the Clarity Act to decide their future.

The Clarity Act is part of the political legacy of former prime minister Jean Chretien. He was in power when the sovereigntists almost won the 1995 referendum on a convoluted question.

The legislation, passed in 2000, sets out the terms under which a province can separate from Canada, such as requiring a clear question and a clear majority.

"I think we have to be clear on one thing -- sovereignty is a political decision," Boisclair said Sunday at a news conference. "The Clarity Act has been refused and rejected by all political parties represented in the Quebec National Assembly.

"It belongs to Quebecers to decide their future and it is for them to decide what kind of country and what kind of relations they want to have with the rest of Canada."

Those words echo a statement by former Quebec premier, the late Robert Bourassa. The Liberal and federalist said it is up to Quebecers alone to choose their destiny.

Boisclair held a joint news conference with Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe. The two leaders had discussed strategy for advancing the sovereignty agenda.

"We have the same fight, we want Quebec to become a sovereign country," Duceppe said. "We have a modern point of view on what Quebec will be. It's not against Canada, it's not against Canadians. Canada's a great country. We want to have and develop new relations, equal to equal."

Before a referendum can be held, the PQ must form a provincial government.

The governing provincial Liberals, led by Premier Jean Charest, are currently unpopular but don't have to call a vote until 2008.

Boisclair has said if the PQ forms the next government, it will call a referendum as soon as possible.

However, while Charest has offered a quick pathway for Boisclair to take a seat in the National Assembly, Boisclair has said he first needs to reorganize the PQ.