The 2026 Quebec election campaign has seen a surge in participation, with five parties potentially gaining legislative seats for the first time in half a century. Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has emerged as a frontrunner amid discussions on economic stability, cost of living, and a possible third sovereignty referendum.
Although St-Pierre Plamondon remains cautious about the outcome, he is now urging voters to help his party secure a majority and is already looking beyond the October 5 election date.
Securing a victory on Monday would mark a remarkable turnaround for a party that only held three seats in 2022, its lowest tally since its establishment in 1968.
Political analyst André Lamoureux attributes the recent PQ momentum to a decline in support for the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), which has witnessed a drop in popularity polls. This shift is partly linked to a misstep by CAQ leader Christine Fréchette, who made a retracted claim about foreign interference.
Despite benefiting from CAQ’s decline, Lamoureux emphasizes the presence of multiple contenders in the electoral race, with the PQ attracting nationalist and French-speaking Quebecers seeking change.
Another party possibly benefiting from the CAQ’s diminishing support is Éric Duhaime’s Conservatives, particularly focusing on the Quebec City region. Duhaime’s campaign emphasizes cutting taxes and government expenses to address the cost of living issues.
On the other hand, Liberal leader Charles Milliard positions himself as the sole federalist candidate capable of overseeing an economic revival. Milliard has criticized the CAQ, indicating a two-way race between his party and the PQ.
However, Milliard faces challenges in expanding his francophone support base. Québec Solidaire, proposing innovative policies like a wealth tax and public grocery stores, has struggled to broaden its appeal beyond urban Montreal.
Fréchette, the CAQ’s leader, faces scrutiny for her government’s financial management and unfulfilled promises during her tenure. The upcoming election is expected to usher in significant changes compared to the previous legislature, potentially leading to coalition-building and collaboration among the parties represented.
