The upcoming provincial election campaign is set to commence this week, with Thursday, August 27, likely to mark the official start. Despite the campaign not yet officially launched, the five major political parties have been actively engaged in election preparations for some time.
The election is scheduled for October 5, marking the first time since 2018 that Quebecers will choose a government without François Legault at the helm. Following Legault’s resignation earlier this year, Christine Fréchette assumed the role of premier after winning the party’s leadership race in April.
Recent polls indicate a closely contested race for premier, with 48% of voters having made their decisions and 49% indicating they could still change their minds. Speculation about the potential for a minority government has been fueled by these dynamics, a scenario not seen since 2012.
Notably, this election will feature 127 ridings, up from the previous 125, increasing the threshold for a majority to 64 seats. Each of the main party leaders, including Christine Fréchette (CAQ), Ruba Ghazal (QS), Charles Milliard (PLQ), Éric Duhaime (PCQ), and Paul St-Pierre Plamondon (PQ), will be contesting in various ridings across Quebec.
The Parti Québécois has emerged as a frontrunner in the polls, despite facing challenges related to voter enthusiasm for a referendum, a core promise of the party’s platform. The Liberals are striving for a resurgence under Milliard’s leadership, while the Conservative party aims for a breakthrough, particularly in the Quebec City region.
Québec Solidaire, though facing the departure of key figures, has seen a positive trend in recent polls. Campaign issues such as health and social services, cost of living, housing, and the economy are expected to dominate discussions, along with the PQ’s referendum plans and recent U.S.-Canada trade developments.
