Outgoing premier Christine Fréchette has appointed Martine Biron as the new minister of culture with just a few weeks remaining before the Parti Québécois takes over the government. Biron takes over from Mathieu Lacombe, who was removed from the caucus and had his party membership revoked for attending election night festivities at the PQ headquarters in Montreal.
Martine Biron will continue to hold her positions as the minister of higher education and minister responsible for the status of women. Despite the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) failing to secure any seats in the recent election, the party will remain in power until PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon announces his cabinet.
In response to Mathieu Lacombe’s attendance at a rival party’s event on election night, Fréchette’s office emphasized that this action contradicts the CAQ’s values. The statement underlined the importance of solidarity and respect within the party, leading to the decision to appoint a new Minister of Culture and Communications.
CAQ spokesperson Claude Potvin condemned Lacombe’s behavior as a severe breach of the party’s rules. The matter was escalated to the CAQ’s national executive council, resulting in a resolution on Thursday to expel Lacombe from the party.
Following the incident, Mathieu Lacombe issued an apology on social media, acknowledging his error in judgment. He expressed regret for attending the PQ rally and emphasized the importance of maintaining professional boundaries in politics. Lacombe, who did not seek re-election, extended his apologies to activists, colleagues, and friends who may have been affected by his actions.
Having been elected under the CAQ banner in 2018, representing the Papineau riding, Mathieu Lacombe previously served as the minister of families before assuming the culture portfolio in 2022.
