The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) has officially begun the process of selecting a new leader to replace Premier François Legault, who announced his departure on Wednesday. The party, which has never held a leadership contest in its 15-year history, is moving quickly to establish rules for a race it hopes will conclude by mid-April.
The Race Rules and Ethical Dilemma
Claude Potvin, the CAQ's director of communications, confirmed the party's national executive committee met Wednesday evening to start organizing the contest. The committee aims to produce the official rules within 10 days, using other provincial parties' leadership race frameworks as a guide.
A significant and unresolved question is whether current cabinet ministers can campaign for the leadership while retaining their ministerial portfolios. The party is in discussions with National Assembly ethics commissioner Ariane Mignolet to clarify the rules.
In a statement, Mignolet's office indicated the situation is "more complex" for a minister, as a leadership bid "automatically increases their public profile and gives them access to privileged information." The statement warned that the risk and appearance of a conflict of interest is "nearly omnipresent." This issue is particularly relevant as no sitting Quebec cabinet minister has run in a leadership race since the adoption of the current ethics code in 2010.
A Growing Field of Potential Contenders
The list of potential candidates is expanding rapidly, dominated by members of Legault's cabinet. The initial speculative list included:
- Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette
- Education Minister Sonia LeBel
- Municipal Affairs Minister Geneviève Guilbault
- Environment Minister Bernard Drainville
- Economy, Innovation and Energy Minister Christine Fréchette
By Thursday, that list had grown to include Finance Minister Eric Girard, Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière, Natural Resources Minister Jean-François Simard, International Affairs Minister Christopher Skeete, and former cabinet minister François Bonnardel. Businessman Olivier Primeau has also expressed interest, according to Le Journal de Montréal.
Ministers Launch Their "Reflection"
Several high-profile ministers have begun publicly weighing their options. Christine Fréchette, speaking to reporters at a Bombardier event in Dorval on January 15, 2026, stated, "I am launching a process of reflection. I will discuss with those close to me, my colleagues, as well as other actors in society to take the pulse of things. I will give you the results of this reflection in the coming days."
Finance Minister Eric Girard confirmed his interest but said he needs to see the race rules first. "It’s too soon to say if I will dive in," Girard told reporters. "We have to know the rules. We need to know what it implies in terms of ministerial responsibility. We have to know who the candidates are."
Christopher Skeete, who is also responsible for relations with English-speaking Quebecers, confirmed he is not closing the door on a run. He defended the CAQ's future, stating, "The third way has never been more relevant. The old parties are relitigating an outdated question when we need to focus on the future of our collective security and economic health."
Timeline and Political Context
The CAQ aims for a "fairly rapid race" with a new leader in place by mid-April. This timeline overlaps with the Quebec Liberal Party's own leadership contest, which could crown a leader as early as February 13 or, if a race is needed, on March 14.
According to the CAQ's constitution, replacing the leader requires a vote by secret ballot of registered party members. The executive committee will establish the specific dates, fundraising rules, and spending limits. Potvin confirmed the party intends to hold candidate debates.
The winner of the CAQ leadership race will, by virtue of the party holding a majority in the National Assembly, automatically become the premier of Quebec. This race marks a pivotal moment for the CAQ as it seeks to rebuild public support after recent low poll numbers and chart a course beyond its founding leader, François Legault.
