The provincial election campaign is set to commence this week, with indications pointing to Thursday, August 27 as the official launch date. While the campaign has yet to start, the five major political parties have been actively engaged in election preparations for some time.
Scheduled for October 5, this election marks a significant departure from the previous ones as Quebecers will elect a new government following the resignation of former Premier François Legault earlier this year. Christine Fréchette succeeded Legault as premier in April after winning the party’s leadership race.
The upcoming election is shaping up to be a closely contested race, with recent polls showing that a significant portion of voters remain undecided. Speculation is rife about the possibility of a minority government being formed, which has not occurred since 2012 under a Pauline Marois PQ government.
Notably, this year’s election will feature 127 ridings, an increase from the previous 125, which alters the seat requirements for a majority. Each of the main party leaders is vying for seats in different ridings across Quebec.
The parties are gearing up for a high-stakes battle, each with its own objectives and challenges. The PQ, currently leading in the polls, faces skepticism over its referendum plans, while the CAQ and PLQ are working towards revitalizing their standings after recent setbacks. The Conservative Party is eyeing gains in the Quebec City region, hoping for a breakthrough.
Despite facing internal changes, Québec Solidaire is pushing forward with its campaign, aiming to maintain relevance in Quebec’s political landscape. The key campaign issues revolve around health, social services, cost of living, housing, and the economy, with discussions on the U.S.-Canada trade escalation likely to feature prominently in the debates.
As the election fervor builds up, all eyes are on the unfolding dynamics among the parties and the issues that will shape the political landscape in Quebec.