Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Christine Fréchette, Quebec’s economy minister, will be running to be the next leader of Coalition Avenir Québec — and the province’s next premier.
Fréchette, 56, will launch her campaign on Sunday at an event in her hometown of Trois-Rivières, Que. The information was first reported on 98.5 FM and confirmed by Radio-Canada.
Fréchette was first elected with the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) in 2022, and served as immigration minister before taking over as minister of economy, innovation and energy in 2024.
She previously served as the chief of staff to Jean-François Lisée in the Parti Québécois government of Pauline Marois.
Fréchette has secured the support of at least 11 MNAs, including fellow cabinet ministers Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Mathieu Lacombe and Benoit Charette.
The race officially got underway Thursday, and will conclude with a vote at a leadership convention on April 12, 2026.
The leader will become premier until the next election, slated for this fall.
Premier François Legault resigned earlier this month after more than seven years in power, though he is planning to stay on until a replacement is found.
Environment Minister Bernard Drainville and Natural Resources Minister Jean-François Simard have also indicated they are mulling a run.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette said in a statement on Friday that he has decided not to run.
Jolin-Barrette said many people had encouraged him to run, but “for family and professional reasons, this is not the right time for me.”
He said he would continue to work on the CAQ’s promised Quebec constitution — a document slammed by opposition parties as political theatre.
On Friday, Granby MNA and former public security minister François Bonnardel also announced on social media that he would not be running for leadership.
Ministers who wish to run must step down from their cabinet positions to prevent conflicts of interest.
To qualify for the leadership, a candidate must obtain the support of 1,000 party members across at least 75 ridings, including 15 MNAs and 100 members of the CAQ’s youth commission.
Candidates must also pay a non-refundable deposit of $30,000 and adhere to an election spending cap of $150,000.