Quebec’s top five political party leaders are set to engage in a two-hour televised debate on Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. The event, to be hosted by Paul Larocque, will be aired on TVA, LCN, illico+, QUB radio, and digital platforms such as TVA Nouvelles and Le Journal. With the October 5 general election approaching, the debate is anticipated to center on topics like the economy, taxes, services, and Quebec’s future.
The participants include Éric Duhaime from the Conservative Party of Quebec, Christine Fréchette from the Coalition Avenir Québec, Ruba Ghazal from Québec Solidaire, Charles Milliard from the Quebec Liberal Party, and Paul St-Pierre Plamondon from the Parti Québécois. The debate follows recent interviews hosted by Radio-Canada, where the leaders outlined their campaign priorities and strategies, particularly regarding the ongoing U.S. trade conflict and the issue of Quebec sovereignty.
During the interviews, Fréchette emphasized her economic track record, proposed diversifying trading partners, and discussed potential changes in hydroelectricity sales to the U.S. St-Pierre Plamondon criticized the CAQ’s governance in areas like health and education, reaffirming his commitment to a sovereignty referendum post-Donald Trump presidency. Milliard highlighted the strength of Canadian federalism amid U.S. economic pressures, positioning it as the only choice for Quebecers who wish to remain part of Canada.
Ghazal advocated for taxing the wealthy to support public services and housing, rejecting austerity measures. Duhaime, aiming to prevent a referendum, urged voters to grant his party the balance of power in a minority legislature. According to the latest Léger poll conducted in September 2026, the PQ leads with 29%, followed by the Liberals at 23%, the CAQ just over 20%, and the Conservatives at 17%. Québec Solidaire garnered 10% support.
A majority of respondents (61%) expressed a desire for a change in government, with 24% viewing St-Pierre Plamondon as the change embodiment, followed by Duhaime at 15%. The poll, conducted online with 1,013 Quebec residents, does not have a traditional margin of error. Noovo and Crave will broadcast the second leaders’ debate on Wednesday, with the final debate scheduled on Radio-Canada for September 23.