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.
A major symbolic step in the transition of power for the Quebec government took place on Tuesday.
Premier-designate and Parti Québécois (PQ) Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon met with Christine Fréchette, the outgoing premier, and the two held a joint news conference.
The meeting comes two days before the PQ’s 59 MNAs elected on Oct. 5 are sworn in at the National Assembly.
Fréchette remains premier until St-Pierre Plamondon takes over, but she has already stepped down as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), which failed to win a single seat in the election.
Tuesday’s meeting focused on the economy, jobs and the province’s Churchill Falls agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador.
WATCH | Smooth transition of power underway:
Transition of power from Fréchette to St-Pierre Plamondon begins in Quebec City
The symbolic gesture marks an important part of the handover process for the next Quebec government. Outgoing Premier Christine Fréchette and premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said a smooth transition is underway.
The meeting lasted a little under 50 minutes, with the two speaking to journalists afterward — without taking any questions.
“We touched on all types of urgent and sensitive topics,” St-Pierre Plamondon said.
“The economy, the relationship with the U.S., information regarding certain businesses, jobs and Churchill Falls.”
The premier-designate thanked Fréchette for her collaboration.
“It’s important to ensure a co-ordinated and adequate transition,” said Fréchette.
The PQ’s 59 MNAs will be sworn in on Thursday. MNAs with the Quebec Liberal Party will be sworn in on Monday, Oct. 19, Québec Solidaire MNAs will be sworn in on Tuesday, Oct. 20 and the Conservative Party’s MNAs will have their ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 22.
The PQ government’s cabinet, for its part, is expected to be sworn in on Oct. 21.
The National Assembly will reconvene in mid-November.
St-Pierre Plamondon’s immediate priorities, he has said, are tackling homelessness, boosting food bank funding, forming a team to handle trade talks with the U.S. and dismantling some of what he sees as the CAQ’s failed projects, including SAAQclic.
As for the CAQ, its executive board is expected to appoint an interim leader on Saturday, who will be tasked with organizing the party’s next leadership race. There is currently no timeline for that race.