After securing a strong presence in the Outaouais region during the previous provincial election, the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) is anticipated to relinquish three of its held seats to the Quebec Liberals and potentially lose a fourth seat to the sovereigntist Parti Québécois.
According to CBC News projections, the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) is set to claim victory in Hull, Chapleau, Pontiac, and Gatineau. Meanwhile, Parti Québecois (PQ) candidate Isabelle Millette is engaged in a close contest in Papineau with PLQ candidate Isabelle Sabourin, holding a significant lead over CAQ’s Linda Gauthier. Notably, the PQ has not held a seat in that riding since 1976.
A jubilant atmosphere filled a bar in Thurso, Que., where Millette gathered with supporters to watch as CBC News forecasted a potential PQ government. Incumbent Liberal MP André Fortin, representing the Pontiac riding since 2014, is expected to successfully defend his seat, as reported by CBC News.
The projections for Pontiac, Gatineau, and Hull were announced in the first hour after the polls closed, with Chapleau following suit in the subsequent hour. However, Papineau remained too close to determine a winner as the results announcement extended into its third hour.