The upcoming provincial election campaign is set to begin this week, with Thursday, August 27, likely being the official start date. While the campaign has not officially commenced, the five main political parties have been actively engaged in election preparations for some time.
The election is scheduled for October 5, marking the first time since 2018 that Quebecers will vote for a government not led by François Legault. Legault, who secured consecutive majority governments in 2018 and 2022, stepped down earlier this year. Christine Fréchette succeeded him as premier in April after winning the party’s leadership race.
Opinion polls indicate a closely contested race for premier this year, with 48% of voters having made up their minds, while 49% remain undecided. Speculation suggests the potential for a minority government, a scenario not seen since 2012 under a Pauline Marois PQ government. Additionally, this election will feature 127 ridings, up from the previous 125, increasing the majority threshold to 64 seats.
The main party leaders contesting the election are Christine Fréchette for Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), Ruba Ghazal for Québec Solidaire (QS), Charles Milliard for the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ), Éric Duhaime for the Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ), and Paul St-Pierre Plamondon for Parti Québécois (PQ).
Each leader is running in different ridings, with Fréchette opting to contest in Trois-Rivières, St-Pierre Plamondon in Camille-Laurin, Milliard in Orford, Duhaime in Bellechasse, and Ghazal aiming to retain the Mercier riding.
The parties are gearing up for crucial challenges in this election. The PQ, currently leading in polls, faces skepticism regarding its promise of a future referendum. The CAQ is striving to maintain momentum despite several MNAs not seeking re-election. The Liberals are seeking a revival under Milliard’s leadership following recent setbacks. The Conservative Party is eyeing gains in the Quebec City region, with Duhaime making his third bid for an MNA seat.
Québec Solidaire faces changes with the departure of key figures, including Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois and Manon Massé, as they aim to sustain their support. Campaign issues highlighted by voters include health and social services, the cost of living, housing, and the economy. The potential referendum promise by the PQ and recent U.S.-Canada trade tensions are expected to be key topics during the election campaign.