The provincial election campaign is set to begin this week, with Thursday, August 27, likely being the official launch date. While the campaign has not officially started, the five main political parties have been actively preparing for the election.
The upcoming election is scheduled for October 5. It will be the first time since 2018 that Quebecers will choose a government without François Legault at the helm. Legault, who led his party to consecutive majority victories in 2018 and 2022, resigned earlier this year. Christine Fréchette took over as premier in April after winning the party’s leadership contest.
Polls indicate a close race for the premiership this year, with 48% of voters having made up their minds, while 49% remain undecided, according to an August 11 Léger poll. Speculation is rife about the possibility of a minority government being formed, a scenario that has not occurred since 2012.
It is noteworthy that this year there are 127 electoral districts, up from the previous 125, requiring 64 seats to secure a majority.
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 Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ), Éric Duhaime for the Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ), and Paul St-Pierre Plamondon for Parti Québécois (PQ).
In terms of key issues, health and social services, the cost of living, housing, and the economy are dominating voter concerns, as per the August 11 Léger poll. The PQ, currently leading in polls, has proposed a referendum, which has drawn criticism from opponents. Additionally, the recent U.S.-Canada trade tensions are expected to be a focal point during the campaign.
Each party is facing unique challenges and opportunities as they vie for voter support in the upcoming election.
