Quebec’s five major provincial party leaders reflected on their campaigns on Sunday, delivering final messages to voters ahead of Monday’s election. Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon emphasized the need for change after eight years of Coalition Avenir Québec governance, expressing confidence in offering the desired shift. Despite leading in polls, St-Pierre Plamondon urged supporters to engage undecided voters in the final stretch.
He focused his campaign efforts in the Montreal region, aiming to strengthen support and secure additional seats for the PQ. St-Pierre Plamondon outlined his priorities for the first 100 days if elected, including addressing homelessness, reducing bureaucracy, eliminating taxes on secondhand items, cutting gas taxes, and reinvesting in community initiatives.
On the other hand, Coalition Avenir Québec Leader Christine Fréchette positioned her party as an alternative to the sovereigntist-federalist debate, emphasizing nationalism and economic growth within Canada. While acknowledging the strength of her campaign, she regretted not highlighting the risks associated with a potential referendum more prominently.
Liberal Leader Charles Milliard, advocating for federalism, urged strategic voting to prevent a PQ government and emphasized the party’s commitment to federalist ideals. Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime rallied supporters to secure enough votes for a significant presence in the legislature, pledging to safeguard taxpayer interests and oppose a referendum. He aimed for a minimum of 12 seats to attain official party status.
Québec Solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal appealed to progressive sovereigntist voters in Montreal, distinguishing her party from the austerity proposed by other parties. She emphasized the importance of sending a message against conservatism and standing up to potential influences in the upcoming parliament.
As the election draws near, each leader made their final pitches, stressing their party’s unique offerings and visions for Quebec’s future.
