Quebec Premier François Legault announces resignation

Quebec Premier François Legault announced his resignation Wednesday, ending a dominant run in provincial politics that saw him lead the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) to two majority governments.

Legault to Remain in Place Until New Leader Elected

Legault said he will remain in place until the CAQ elects a new leader. He made the announcement at a news conference Wednesday morning, stating that many Quebecers desire change in leadership.

The resignation comes after months of turbulence, falling poll results, and the departure of several ministers from his cabinet. Legault acknowledged some failures during his tenure but emphasized the overall success of his government.

Recent Turmoil and Poll Numbers

Prior to the holiday break in December, Legault had vowed to remain as party leader, despite internal friction and speculation about his future. Over the fall, he lost both Lionel Carmant as social services minister and Christian Dubé as health minister, following disagreements over changes to specialist and family doctor remuneration.

Several Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) also left or were removed from the CAQ in recent months, with some reportedly seeking opportunities with other parties.

A recent Pallas Data poll, surveying over 1,100 Quebecers between January 9 and 10, placed the CAQ at just 10 per cent in voter intentions, with over 50 per cent of respondents expressing a “very unfavorable” opinion of Legault.

The Parti Québécois (PQ) has been leading in the polls for months, having won three seats away from the CAQ in by-elections since 2023. The Quebec Liberal Party is also searching for a new leader after Pablo Rodriguez stepped down last month.

Reactions to Legault’s Departure

Politicians across various levels of government reacted to the announcement, with some highlighting Legault’s contributions during the pandemic. PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon recognized Legault’s more than 25 years of public service.

Interim Liberal Leader Marc Tanguay said it was not the time for criticism, acknowledging the sacrifices inherent in political leadership and wishing Legault well.

Government House Leader and Quebec Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette credited Legault with achieving what many considered impossible: breaking the long-standing alternation of power between the Liberals and the PQ.

Quebec’s unions offered a different perspective, with the FIQ, the province’s largest nurse’s union, stating that Legault left the public health system in a critical state. Some Indigenous leaders also expressed relief, citing the government’s refusal to recognize systemic racism in Quebec.

Legault’s Political Career and Legacy

Before entering politics, Legault co-founded the Canadian airline, Air Transat. He was an MNA from 1998 to 2009, serving in the governments of former premiers Lucien Bouchard and Bernard Landry with the PQ before founding the CAQ.

Legault’s right-of-centre, nationalist party transformed Quebec politics, offering an alternative to the debate over Quebec independence. He is proud of his government’s economic achievements, including accelerating economic growth and transforming the province’s energy sector.

However, his legacy in the energy sector has faced scrutiny, particularly following the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars invested in the Northvolt battery plant when the Swedish parent company declared bankruptcy.

Emphasis on Identity and Language

Throughout his time in office, Legault’s government prioritized identity politics, enacting legislation such as Bill 21, which bans the wearing of religious symbols for some public employees, and Bill 96, a language law aimed at protecting the French language.

Legault also steered the province through the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing pride in the solidarity and sacrifices made by Quebecers during that time. He concluded his remarks by expressing his love for the people of Quebec and calling his time as premier the greatest honor of his life.