After the 2026 provincial election in Quebec, the Outaouais region witnessed significant political changes, marking a new chapter in its history. The Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) secured four out of five seats previously held by the Coalition Avenir Québec, while the Parti Québécois (PQ) claimed Papineau for the first time since 1976.
André Fortin, the incumbent MNA for Pontiac since 2014, expressed enthusiasm about having more members supporting the region’s interests and ideas. In a surprising outcome, Isabelle Millette of the PQ won in Papineau after a prolonged contest against the PLQ’s Isabelle Sabourin.
Political scientist and law professor Félix Mathieu highlighted the significance of the PQ’s victory in Papineau as a symbol for party leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. Mathieu attributed the win partly to St-Pierre Plamondon’s campaign visit to Papineau a week before the election, underscoring its impact on the final results.
The outcomes in the Outaouais region were deemed positive by Mathieu, who noted the necessity for the PQ to form alliances in light of the PLQ’s dominance in the area. The wins by both PLQ and PQ present an opportunity for collaboration on regional issues, such as improving Highway 50, addressing healthcare underfunding, and enhancing social services access, as advocated by Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette.
Although St-Pierre Plamondon hinted at preparing for a referendum post-Donald Trump’s presidency, Mathieu cautioned against prioritizing this agenda due to the PQ’s limited popular vote support. PLQ Leader Charles Milliard firmly rejected any referendum discussions, a sentiment echoed by Liberal candidates in the region.
Looking ahead, Mathieu speculated on the potential inclusion of Isabelle Millette in the PQ cabinet, emphasizing the need for geographic representation, intergenerational balance, and gender equality in the new government.
Overall, the recent election results in the Outaouais region have set the stage for political collaboration and dialogue on key regional issues, signaling a significant shift in the area’s political landscape.
