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In a decisive move, Bernard Drainville, Quebec’s Environment Minister, has announced his candidacy to lead the governing Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ). This announcement follows the resignation of Premier François Legault, who will step down once a new leader is elected. Drainville aims to connect with grassroots citizens and reaffirm the party’s core values.
In a video shared on social media, Drainville articulated his vision, emphasizing the need for the CAQ to represent real people. He stated, “To regain the trust of Quebecers, we must remain faithful to the CAQ’s DNA: a centre-right nationalism deeply rooted in our regions, driven by courage and passion.” His approach seeks to resonate with citizens who feel disconnected from political elites.
The facts
Drainville is not entering this race alone; he has garnered support from notable CAQ members, including Samuel Poulin, Kariane Bourassa, Yannick Gagnon, and Isabelle Lecours. These endorsements reflect growing confidence in his leadership capabilities within the party.
With a rich political history, Drainville began his career with the Parti Québécois, serving as Minister of Democratic Institutions and Citizen Participation under former Premier Pauline Marois. After a hiatus from politics, he made a strong comeback in 2026, winning a seat in Lévis and taking on roles as both Education and Environment Minister in the CAQ government.
Upcoming challenges in the leadership race
The leadership contest is heating up, with Christine Fréchette, the Minister of Economy, poised to announce her candidacy shortly. She is expected to reveal her intentions in Trois-Rivières, securing support from several cabinet colleagues, including Gilles Bélanger and Benoit Charette. However, with the deadline for candidacy approaching on February 21, competition is fierce.
Interestingly, Simon Jolin-Barrette, the Justice Minister, and Jean-François Simard, Minister of Natural Resources and Forests, have both opted out of the race. Simard expressed his desire for a competitive environment rather than a simple coronation of a new leader, signaling the importance of a robust debate on ideas within the party.
Leadership race regulations and timeline
According to the rules established for the leadership race, candidates must step down from their ministerial roles and gather support from at least 1,000 party members across a minimum of 75 ridings. This includes endorsements from 15 members of the National Assembly and 100 youth wing members. Additionally, a non-refundable entry fee of $30,000 is required, with campaign expenditures capped at $150,000.
The process will culminate in a leadership convention where the new leader of the CAQ—and thus the next Premier of Quebec—will be elected on April 12. This transitional period is critical for the party as it seeks to maintain public confidence and address the concerns of the electorate.
Looking ahead
As the leadership race unfolds, Drainville’s focus on ordinary Quebecers and regional issues will be pivotal. He has positioned himself as a champion for small businesses and a strong advocate for the francophone community. His emotional connection with voters, demonstrated through his past actions and speeches, sets the stage for a campaign that aims to resonate deeply with the province’s citizens.
As Quebec approaches this significant political shift, the decisions made in the coming weeks will not only shape the future of the CAQ but also influence the trajectory of the province as a whole. The party’s next leader will need to embody a vision that reflects the aspirations and realities of Quebec’s diverse population.