Legault Seeks to Assure Continuity as Quebec Leadership Race Intensifies
Quebec’s outgoing Premier François Legault is working to quell concerns of governmental stagnation as the province prepares for a new leader, with a succession vote scheduled for April 12. Legault emphatically stated on Tuesday that there is “no question of putting the government or Quebec on pause,” echoing language he frequently used during the pandemic.
CAQ Deputies Prepare for Transition
Members of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) convened in Trois-Rivières for two days, beginning February 3, to strategize ahead of their return to the National Assembly. The meeting marked a poignant moment for Legault, who described it as a “last huddle” and expressed both sadness and optimism for the future. “I feel like I’m giving you the baby a little bit,” he confessed, adding that his greatest accomplishment was assembling the current CAQ team.
Polls Signal Potential Challenges for the CAQ
Despite Legault’s assurances, recent polling data suggests the CAQ faces significant headwinds. According to available information, the party, founded in 2011, risks a substantial electoral defeat if an election were held today. This precarious position underscores the importance of a smooth leadership transition and a unified front.
Succession Race Gains Momentum
The leadership contest between Christine Fréchette and Bernard Drainville is already shaping up to be a defining moment for the CAQ. Legault greeted both candidates upon his arrival at the caucus meeting, describing them as “excellent candidates” without offering further endorsement. The race is unfolding against a backdrop of ongoing governmental work, with Legault stressing the need to maintain momentum on key issues.
“The candidates…it’s normal, will want to make certain changes,” Legault acknowledged. “But the fact remains that there are quite a few subjects and issues on which there is a consensus and on which we have a duty to move forward, as we have done for seven years.”
Preparing Quebec for a Changing World
Legault emphasized the urgency of preparing Quebec for “the new world,” specifically referencing developments in the United States and the rhetoric of President Donald Trump. This call to action highlights the need for Quebec to proactively address external challenges and assert its interests.
The Third Link Project: A Point of Contention
One key issue dividing the candidates is the proposed third link project – a new bridge between Quebec City and Lévis. Transport Minister Jonatan Julien announced plans to present the “final route” and “target budget” for the project, estimated between $7 and $11 billion, “this winter.” While Drainville staunchly supports the project as currently conceived, Fréchette has indicated she would consult party members before making a final decision. Julien expressed surprise at Fréchette’s position, stating, “I thought it was done…I always believed that there was consensus on this issue within the ranks of the CAQ.”
Shifting Support Within the CAQ Caucus
The leadership race has spurred a flurry of endorsements within the CAQ caucus. Christine Fréchette received a significant boost with the support of Jean-François Roberge, the Minister of Immigration, Secularism and the French Language, bringing her total caucus support to 16 members, including six ministers. Bernard Drainville, meanwhile, gained the backing of Shirley Dorismond and Luc Provençal, increasing his support to eight elected officials, including one minister. Drainville downplayed the disparity in support, emphasizing that the final decision rests with the party’s 15,000 members, who will vote by telephone between April 7 and 12.
The coming weeks will be critical as the CAQ navigates this leadership transition and seeks to maintain its momentum in the face of potential electoral challenges.
