Quebec Liberals to chose new leader this weekend
Quebec Liberal leadership candidates Pablo Rodriguez, from the left, Karl Blackburn, Marc Bélanger, Charles Milliard and Mario Roy stand together at the end of a debate in Quebec City Thursday, May 22, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
The Quebec Liberal Party is slated to choose its new leader on Saturday following a five-month leadership race.
The Liberals lost the last two elections to the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), led by Premier François Legault.
They're now trying to regain support from francophone voters in regions of Quebec outside Montreal.
A recent poll suggests former federal transport minister Pablo Rodriguez is the likely frontrunner, but his rivals say he's too closely tied to Montreal.
Karl Blackburn, former president of a Quebec employers group, says he's best placed to improve Quebec's economy.
Charles Milliard, a political newcomer, is pitching himself as a breath of fresh air for a party that needs renewal.
Lawyer Marc Bélanger and farmer Mario Roy are also in the running.
The Liberals are hoping to have a shot at forming the next government during an election set for October 2026.
The sovereigntist Parti Québécois (PQ) has been leading in the polls for months as Legault's government loses momentum.
– This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 13, 2024.
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