In a significant announcement for Quebec's political landscape, Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault has declared she will not seek re-election and will leave public office at the conclusion of her current term. The news was confirmed on January 18, 2026, marking the end of a notable chapter for one of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government's most prominent figures.
A Pillar of the CAQ Government Steps Down
Geneviève Guilbault, a central minister in Premier François Legault's cabinet, stated her intention to depart from political life. First elected as the MNA for the Louis-Hébert riding in 2018, Guilbault quickly rose through the ranks, holding key portfolios including Public Security and, most recently, Transport and Sustainable Mobility. Her decision, shared publicly, signals a major shift within the governing party as it looks toward future elections.
Her tenure as Transport Minister has been particularly eventful, overseeing complex files such as the ongoing challenges with the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) and major infrastructure projects. A photo from January 30, 2025, captured her tabling the SAAQ's annual report at the legislature in Quebec City, a moment emblematic of her hands-on ministerial role.
Political Repercussions and Leadership Dynamics
Guilbault's announcement comes at a pivotal time for the CAQ. The party is preparing for a future leadership transition, with speculation already swirling about potential successors to Premier Legault. Within this context, Guilbault's departure removes a significant potential contender from the field.
This move follows public statements of support from fellow CAQ member Simon Jolin-Barrette, who indicated he would back Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette if he were to run for the party's leadership. Guilbault's exit will undoubtedly trigger a reshuffling of influence and ambition within the CAQ caucus as other ministers and MNAs position themselves for the future.
Legacy and Next Steps
By committing to serve out her full term, Minister Guilbault ensures stability in her important transport portfolio for the remainder of the government's mandate. Her decision to leave on her own terms allows for an orderly transition for her constituency and within the ministry.
As a high-profile minister from the Quebec City region, her absence will be felt both locally and provincially. The political focus will now turn to who might seek to replace her as the CAQ candidate in Louis-Hébert and how the party manages the departure of one of its most recognizable faces. Her career, marked by tackling some of the province's toughest files, leaves a substantial imprint on Quebec's recent political history.
