In a last-minute announcement that narrows the field, former Via Rail CEO Yves Desjardins-Siciliano has confirmed he will not be a candidate in the upcoming race to lead the Quebec Liberal Party (QLP). His decision comes just one day before the leadership contest officially opens.
A Surprise Withdrawal on the Eve of the Race
Desjardins-Siciliano, who also previously led Siemens Mobility Canada, released a statement on Sunday, January 10, 2026, ending weeks of public speculation about his potential candidacy. "During the past weeks, I thought a great deal and I finally decided not to run," he stated. He expressed gratitude for the support he received, saying, "I was deeply touched by the many votes of confidence I received and I would like to sincerely thank all the people who showed me their support."
His withdrawal leaves a significant void for those hoping to see a high-profile candidate from outside the traditional political sphere enter the contest to replace former leader Pablo Rodriguez.
The Current State of the Leadership Contest
The race formally begins on Monday, January 11, 2026, with a candidate registration period that will remain open until February 13, 2026. As of now, the only officially declared candidate is Charles Milliard, the former president of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ). Milliard received his first endorsements from within the party's caucus on Friday, January 8.
Another potential contender, international trade lawyer Marc Bélanger, has also ruled himself out. Bélanger was a candidate at the party's June 2025 leadership convention but was dropped from the ballot after the first round.
The Scandal That Sparked the Sudden Race
This leadership race was triggered unexpectedly when Pablo Rodriguez resigned on December 17, 2025, a mere six months after winning the party's leadership. His resignation followed a series of allegations concerning ethical problems during his leadership campaign, though Rodriguez himself was not accused of any personal wrongdoing.
Rodriguez had narrowly defeated Charles Milliard in the June 2025 contest, winning on the second ballot by a margin of less than five percentage points. The party is now tasked with quickly finding a stable successor to guide it forward.
With Desjardins-Siciliano's exit, the focus intensifies on Charles Milliard and any other candidates who may enter the race before the February deadline. The Quebec Liberal Party seeks a leader who can reunite its base and rebuild public trust after a turbulent period.
