{"id":907359,"date":"2026-09-24T03:18:17","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T03:18:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/907359\/"},"modified":"2026-09-24T03:18:17","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T03:18:17","slug":"quebec-leaders-debate-live-pq-leader-accused-of-wanting-to-drive-quebec-into-a-wall-with-sovereignty-push","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/907359\/","title":{"rendered":"Quebec leaders\u2019 debate live: PQ leader accused of wanting to drive Quebec \u2018into a wall\u2019 with sovereignty push"},"content":{"rendered":"

This live blog is being updated throughout the evening. Questions\/comments: ariga@postmedia.com<\/a><\/p>\n

What you need to know<\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9chette vows to respect Montreal anglophones<\/p>\n

Anglophones, francophones share \u2018the same interests,\u2019 PQ leader says<\/p>\n

Liberals would unite Quebecers, Milliard says<\/p>\n

Ghazal\u2019s message to anglophones<\/p>\n

Would parties cooperate in a minority?<\/p>\n

Leaders spar on immigration<\/p>\n

PQ leader accused of wanting to drive Quebec \u2018into a wall\u2019<\/p>\n

Leaders clash on PQ\u2019s referendum plan<\/p>\n

After Northvolt, is it time to cut corporate subsidies?<\/p>\n

The Trump effect<\/p>\n

Helping workers hurt by the trade war<\/p>\n

Should Sant\u00e9 Qu\u00e9bec be abolished?<\/p>\n

A doctor for every Quebecer?<\/p>\n

The rise in homelessness<\/p>\n

What distinguishes each leader?<\/p>\n

Subscribe<\/a> to our Quebec politics newsletter<\/p>\n

Watch the debate live on Radio-Canada<\/a><\/p>\n

11:15 p.m.<\/p>\n

Duhaime appeals to anglophone voters<\/p>\n

A reporter asked Quebec Conservative Leader \u00c9ric Duhaime what he would do to protect the anglophone community and their rights.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnglophone Quebecers are not just voting on anglo rights, they\u2019re also voting on how the province is managed,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Duhaime said most anglophones don\u2019t want a referendum \u2013 and he agrees with them.<\/p>\n

He said anglophones who \u201cwant to change the Quebec bureaucratic model, the status quo model, well, the Conservatives are your party.\u201d<\/p>\n

11:05 p.m.<\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9chette vows to respect Montreal anglophones<\/p>\n

A reporter asked Coalition Avenir Qu\u00e9bec Leader Christine Fr\u00e9chette whether, after the election, she would allow CAQ MNAs to declare whether they\u2019re federalists or sovereignists.<\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9chette did not answer. She said her party\u2019s aim is to develop and protect Quebec within the Canadian system.<\/p>\n

She said a PQ government would not work full time on the priorities of Quebecers because it will focus a lot of attention on its sovereignty plans.<\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9chette was asked about her decision not to participate in a proposed English-language debate or to give interviews to English-language media, despite saying that she wanted to be more open with anglophones.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I get elected on Oct. 5, I will be the premier of all Quebecers, and it is essential for me to respect the English-speaking community in Montreal to make sure their rights are respected.\u201d I want to tell them that under my leadership there will be no referendum.\u201d<\/p>\n

10:55 p.m.<\/p>\n

Anglophones and francophones share \u2018the same interests,\u2019 PQ leader says<\/p>\n

PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon was asked about recent polls that suggest he may be inching toward a majority government.<\/p>\n

What will he do to put himself in majority territory?<\/p>\n

\u201cMy goal is to win over undecided Quebecers who want change,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He said he hopes voters will consider the quality of his team of candidates and the vision he has presented in the three debates.<\/p>\n

St-Pierre Plamondon was asked how he plans to engage with English-speaking Quebecers in the last few days of the campaign.<\/p>\n

He said he plans to give interviews to anglophone media in the coming days.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy perspective on it is that anglophones and francophones are not only friendly together in their relationships but they have the same interests right now,\u201d St-Pierre Plamondon said.<\/p>\n

10:40 p.m.<\/p>\n

Liberals would unite Quebecers, Milliard says<\/p>\n

Charles Milliard of the Liberals told reporters that the four other parties \u201cin one way or another\u201d want to separate Quebec from Canada.<\/p>\n

He said they offer \u201cfour nuances of Yes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Milliard said voters who want change but don\u2019t want a referendum have only one choice: the Liberals.<\/p>\n

Milliard was asked about a comment Fr\u00e9chette made about the Liberals. She said it\u2019s a \u201cMontreal party.\u201d<\/p>\n

In response, the Liberal leader said Fr\u00e9chette is the one who actually lives in Montreal. (Milliard lives in the Eastern Townships).<\/p>\n

Milliard added that he wants to \u201cunite Quebecers \u2013 it\u2019s about time that we have a government that wants to talk to all communities in Quebec, and that\u2019s what we\u2019re proposing.\u201d<\/p>\n

10:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Ghazal\u2019s message to anglophones<\/p>\n

Leaders are holding post-debate press conferences.<\/p>\n

Ruba Ghazal of Qu\u00e9bec solidaire was the only leader to mention anglophones during the debate.<\/p>\n

She was asked what her message is to anglophones.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are Quebecers and it\u2019s very important to know that the only political party that will not cut in the public services is Qu\u00e9bec Solidaire,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She said her party would generate more government revenue by taxing high earners.<\/p>\n

Ghazal was asked about Quebecers\u2019 apparent lack of interest in sovereignty<\/p>\n

In response, she said the 70 per cent of voters who tell pollsters they would vote No in a referendum \u201caren\u2019t federalists\u201d \u2013 they\u2019re people who are worried about issues like the high cost of living.<\/p>\n

10:15 p.m.<\/p>\n

Would parties cooperate in a minority?<\/p>\n

\"2296209053\"\u00c9ric Duhaime, leader of the Conservative Party of Quebec, and Charles Milliard, leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, participate in the third and final televised Quebec election debate. CHRISTOPHER KATSAROV \/ POOL\/AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n

What happens if it\u2019s a minority government \u2013 would the parties cooperate?<\/p>\n

Milliard says all the leaders are democrats and would collaborate. But he said 12 days remain in the campaign.<\/p>\n

Duhaime says Quebecers are telling him that they want a minority government. \u201cThey want us to work together,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9chette says the CAQ will respect the choice of Quebecers.<\/p>\n

St-Pierre Plamondon says the PQ will work with other parties if it\u2019s a minority, but he says Quebec would be better off with a majority government because it would be more stable.<\/p>\n

Ghazal says Qu\u00e9bec solidaire will protect Quebecers from the austerity that the other parties will bring about.<\/p>\n

9:55 p.m.<\/p>\n

Leaders spar on immigration<\/p>\n

Millard said companies in the regions need immigrants to survive. He accused Duhaime, who wants to slash the number of newcomers, of not respecting immigrants. <\/p>\n

Duhaime said one must make a distinction between immigrants and asylum seekers. He said asylum seekers are coming to Quebec to benefit from the province\u2019s social services.<\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9chette said foreign workers are crucial in the regions. She said when the CAQ came to power, 20 per cent of immigrants settled in the regions, a number that has since doubled. Her target is 50 per cent.<\/p>\n

St-Pierre Plamondon said a PQ government would reduce temporary and permanent immigration. He said polls show that\u2019s what Quebecers want.<\/p>\n

He said the rise in immigration in recent years has exacerbated the housing crisis, endangered French and overloaded government services.<\/p>\n

9:45 p.m.<\/p>\n

PQ leader accused of wanting to drive Quebec \u2018into a wall\u2019<\/p>\n

St-Pierre Plamondon has said he would hold a referendum after January 2029.<\/p>\n

He is asked: What happens if, at that point, he realizes that the No side would win? Would he delay the referendum?<\/p>\n

St-Pierre Plamondon says he\u2019ll stick with his plan. <\/p>\n

Milliard jumps in to mock the PQ leader\u2019s decision to wait until at least 2029.<\/p>\n

St-Pierre Plamondon says Quebec is living through unusual times with Donald Trump as the U.S. president and \u201cit\u2019s not the time to reflect on our future.\u201d<\/p>\n

He accuses Milliard, Fr\u00e9chette and Duhaime of not promising enough to protect the French language and Quebec\u2019s autonomy.<\/p>\n

Duhaime, who voted Yes in 1995, countered that Quebec was weakened by that referendum. He says the same thing happened after the 1980 referendum.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you want to drive Quebec into a wall, Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon?\u201d Duhaime asks.<\/p>\n

Milliard says he too is passionate about Quebec and the fact that Quebec is in Canada. He says the Liberals are the only real federalist party in the election, saying Fr\u00e9chette cannot be trusted. <\/p>\n

He says being a federalist doesn\u2019t mean not having demands for the federal government. Milliard says Quebec should take control over the temporary foreign worker program.<\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9chette says the CAQ won gains within Canada, and has managed to protect the French language and win federal gains.<\/p>\n

9:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Leaders clash on PQ\u2019s referendum plan<\/p>\n

\"2296214134\"Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, leader of the Parti Qu\u00e9b\u00e9cois, and Christine Fr\u00e9chette, leader of the Coalition Avenir Qu\u00e9bec, participate in the third and final televised Quebec election debate. GRAHAM HUGHES \/ POOL\/AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n

In 30 years, will Quebec be a sovereign country?<\/p>\n

Ghazal says it will be. She says it\u2019s a democratic project that should bring together Indigenous Peoples, immigrants and anglophones.<\/p>\n

Milliard does not answer the question. Instead, he says Quebecers are currently in a \u201creferendum election\u201d because the PQ and QS want to hold a referendum. He says Quebec is better off within Canada. He says that doesn\u2019t mean he always agrees with the federal government.<\/p>\n

St-Pierre Plamondon says the moment is coming when Quebec will decide to become a country. <\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9chette also does not answer the question. She says if she is premier Quebec will not have a referendum. Her priority is making gains within Canada. <\/p>\n

Duhaime also does not answer the question. He says 70 per cent of Quebecers don\u2019t want a referendum. \u201cAt a certain point, the PQ will have to listen to those people,\u201d he said. He said St-Pierre Plamondon is \u201cobsessed\u201d with sovereignty.<\/p>\n

9:20 p.m.<\/p>\n

After Northvolt, is it time to cut corporate subsidies?<\/p>\n

Leaders talk over each other when the subject of Northvolt comes up. <\/p>\n

Quebec invested more than $500 million in the battery plant before the venture failed.<\/p>\n

Milliard says that under the CAQ, it was an \u201copen bar\u201d for corporate subsidies. He says that would not happen with the Liberals, though he would continue to support businesses financially.<\/p>\n

Duhaime accuses Milliard of supporting Northvolt at the time.<\/p>\n

The Conservative leader says governments should not be deciding \u201cwinners and losers\u201d in business. He says the province should instead cut taxes and stop subsidizing businesses, measures that would stimulate the economy.<\/p>\n

St-Pierre Plamondon says the PQ would provide support to small and medium-sized Quebec businesses instead of favouring multinationals the way the CAQ did.<\/p>\n

9:10 p.m.<\/p>\n

Quebec\u2019s big budget hole<\/p>\n

Quebec\u2019s difficult financial situation means the province faces a projected $5-billion shortfall if it hopes to return to a balanced budget by 2029-30, according to the auditor general.<\/p>\n

Milliard says the Liberals have the best economic team and the most realistic financial framework. He says his government would meet the balanced budget target.<\/p>\n

Duhaime says the Conservatives would cut $47 billion from Quebec\u2019s budget, by eliminating corporate subsidies and cutting 20,000 public service jobs. He said the CAQ has destroyed Quebec\u2019s finances.<\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9chette says her government would not slash subsidies to companies because they need the help, especially amid a trade war.<\/p>\n

St-Pierre Plamondon said that under the CAQ, Quebec\u2019s bureaucracy has ballooned, with thousands of new employees who do not provide services to the public. He says the PQ would cut subsidies and reduce the bureaucracy in areas that would not affect services to the public.<\/p>\n

9 p.m.<\/p>\n

The Trump effect<\/p>\n

Duhaime says any trade deal with the U.S. should be mutually beneficial. <\/p>\n

He says any deal signed with the U.S. will be negotiated by the federal government, not Quebec. He said the Mark Carney government promised a deal but it hasn\u2019t materialized.<\/p>\n

Milliard says a strong economic team is needed but under the CAQ the province has not had one. He says the CAQ has not worked closely enough with the federal government to boost Quebec\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9chette says Quebec has to diversify its economy and trade more with other provinces. She says there\u2019s mutual respect between the CAQ government and the Carney government.<\/p>\n

Duhaime says Trump has been in power for almost two years and the CAQ did nothing until recently, unlike Ontario which was helping its businesses and reducing interprovincial trade barriers.<\/p>\n

St-Pierre Plamondon and Ghazal say Quebec is being left in the dark by Ottawa and ignoring the province\u2019s interests in the trade war.<\/p>\n

8:50 p.m.<\/p>\n

Helping workers hurt by the trade war<\/p>\n

The CAQ government has said that about 30,000 jobs are at risk due to the trade war with the U.S.<\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9chette says Quebec must help businesses affected by the trade dispute. But she said it should also see the situation as an opportunity to transform the province\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n

Milliard says Quebec should give affected companies tax breaks and make part of the loans they\u2019re receiving non-reimbursable. He said the province\u2019s mining, forestry and agriculture sectors are being ignored by the CAQ.<\/p>\n

Duhaime says Quebec should significantly slash business taxes and reduce trade barriers with other provinces. He also said Quebec should exploit shale gas in the province.<\/p>\n

St-Pierre Plamondon says all the leaders agree that businesses should be helped. He said the question is which party can you trust to follow through and protect Quebec companies.<\/p>\n

8:40 p.m.<\/p>\n

Should Sant\u00e9 Qu\u00e9bec be abolished?<\/p>\n

St-Pierre Plamondon and Duhaime both want to abolish Sant\u00e9 Qu\u00e9bec.<\/p>\n

The PQ leader says Sant\u00e9 Qu\u00e9bec adds more bureaucracy, wastes money and isn\u2019t accountable.<\/p>\n

The Conservative leader says the private sector is the answer because it will add \u201ccompetition\u201d to the system.<\/p>\n

Milliard and Ghazal attacked those ideas, saying Quebec doesn\u2019t need another debate about health structures \u2013 and it should prioritize the public system.<\/p>\n

8:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

A doctor for every Quebecer?<\/p>\n

How would each leader improve access to doctors?<\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9chette says it\u2019s a difficult situation but cites statistics she says show that the situation is improving. She says the CAQ wants to set up a system where people who don\u2019t see a doctor quickly enough can use the private sector.<\/p>\n

But Milliard says Quebecers were \u201cbetrayed\u201d by the CAQ, which had promised to cut wait times in emergency rooms and improve access to doctors. He says the Liberals would focus more on telemedicine. <\/p>\n

St-Pierre Plamondon says the CAQ keeps promising a doctor for every Quebecers but has not made headway. He says the PQ would improve the CLSC network to reduce hospital visits and focus on preventing mental health emergencies.<\/p>\n

Ghazal says the CLSC network is a \u201cshadow of its former self\u201d due to neglect. She says Qu\u00e9bec solidaire wants to spend $1.8 billion to hire nurses, psychologists and other health professionals at CLSCs.<\/p>\n

Duhaime says under the Conservatives, Quebecers who aren\u2019t treated promptly in the public system could use the private system at no cost.<\/p>\n

8:15 p.m.<\/p>\n

The rise in homelessness <\/p>\n

The leaders are asked about the one-year-old baby<\/a> recently found at a homeless encampment on Notre-Dame St. E. in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.<\/p>\n

Milliard called the discovery of the baby \u201calarming.\u201d He said the Liberals would fund a program to help prevent homelessness and noted that one of his candidates is James Hughes, the former CEO of Mission Old Brewery.<\/p>\n

Duhaime said the Conservatives want to hire more doctors, nurses and social workers and better fund community groups.<\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9chette said the CAQ will work with municipalities and community groups and has announced $250 million to fight homelessness.<\/p>\n

St-Pierre Plamondon said over the past eight years under the CAQ, homelessness has spiralled. He vows to cut the number of homeless people in Quebec in half over four years.<\/p>\n

Ghazal refers to homeless people dying in the streets of Montreal in winter conditions. She says Qu\u00e9bec solidaire would help community groups on the front lines and improve the housing situation generally.<\/p>\n

8:10 p.m.<\/p>\n

What distinguishes you?<\/p>\n

\"2296206854\"Leaders of Quebec\u2019s five major parties take part in the third and final televised Quebec election debate. CHRISTOPHER KATSAROV \/ POOL\/AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Each leader is asked what distinguishes them from the others.<\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9chette says the CAQ\u2019s plan to help families, including more money for parents who use daycares in elementary schools, and improvements to parental leave programs.<\/p>\n

Milliard says the Liberals are \u201cthe party of the economy\u201d and the only one that can improve public services, including health and education. <\/p>\n

Ghazal says Quebecers are very worried about the housing crisis and the high cost of living. She blames other parties for not taking the issues seriously. <\/p>\n

St-Pierre Plamondon says the PQ has \u201cintelligent policies,\u201d authenticity and political courage. He says his team can provide the changes Quebecers want.<\/p>\n

Duhaime says Quebec\u2019s \u201cbureaucratic model\u201d has reached the end of its life. He says other parties want to \u201cpatch it,\u201d while the Conservatives want to modernize it by slashing billions from government spending and tax cuts.<\/p>\n

7:40 p.m.<\/p>\n

Tonight\u2019s five themes<\/p>\n

The debate will focus on five themes, Radio-Canada says:<\/p>\n

The future of Quebec<\/p>\n

Economic uncertainty<\/p>\n

The budget<\/p>\n

Children<\/p>\n

Health<\/p>\n

7:25 p.m.<\/p>\n

Leaders\u2019 last words before the debate<\/p>\n

C\u2019est le dernier d\u00e9bat des chefs ce soir.<\/p>\n

Je suis f\u00e9brile. On arrive \u00e0 un moment charni\u00e8re de la campagne. Et comme on dit : jamais deux sans trois !<\/p>\n

Avant d\u2019aller croiser le fer avec mes quatre coll\u00e8gues chefs de parti, je veux surtout vous dire merci.<\/p>\n

Merci pour votre\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/OVWjFi3U2S<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Christine Fr\u00e9chette (@CFrechette) September 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Face \u00e0 l’explosion du co\u00fbt de la vie, les Qu\u00e9b\u00e9coises et les Qu\u00e9b\u00e9cois ont besoin qu’on remette de l’argent dans leur portefeuille.<\/p>\n

C’est exactement ce que nous ferons avec des mesures concr\u00e8tes:<\/p>\n

\u269c\ufe0f Baisser le prix de l’essence;
\u269c\ufe0f D\u00e9taxer les produits de seconde main;
\u269c\ufe0f\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/qjWSIGhRwM<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Parti Qu\u00e9b\u00e9cois (@partiquebecois) September 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

En entrevue avec @la_lesaffaires<\/a>, j\u2019ai \u00e9t\u00e9 clair : Le Qu\u00e9bec doit prendre une nouvelle direction. Mon gouvernement lib\u00e9ral r\u00e9parera nos finances publiques et nos services, puis ram\u00e8nera le budget \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9quilibre. \u00c0 la fin de notre premier mandat, le Qu\u00e9bec sera dot\u00e9 d\u2019une nouvelle\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2014 Charles Milliard (@CharlesMilliard) September 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

C\u2019est l\u2019heure du d\u00e9bat ! <\/p>\n

J’ai h\u00e2te d’y \u00eatre pour vous parler de ce qui compte vraiment pour vous: le co\u00fbt de la vie, le logement, l’environnement et l\u2019avenir du Qu\u00e9bec.<\/p>\n

Le 5 octobre, pas question de donner un ch\u00e8que en blanc aux quatre partis qui nous proposent l\u2019aust\u00e9rit\u00e9. On\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/6C2UrZ39XJ<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Ruba Ghazal (@RubaGhazalQS) September 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

7:10 p.m.<\/p>\n

Protesters are out in force<\/p>\n

7:05 p.m.<\/p>\n

Leaders arrive at Radio-Canada<\/p>\n

Coalition Avenir Qu\u00e9bec Leader Christine Fr\u00e9chette\u2019s bus was initially blocked at first by protesters. She\u2019s the last leader to arrive. pic.twitter.com\/QrU7MFQ2j0<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Kalina Laframboise (@KayLaframboise) September 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

7 p.m.<\/p>\n

A pivotal debate<\/p>\n

Welcome to our live coverage of tonight\u2019s third leaders\u2019 debate.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the midpoint of a tight election campaign, with the outcome still very much up in the air.<\/p>\n

7 p.m.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s at stake for each leader in tonight\u2019s debate<\/p>\n

With less than two weeks until election day, tonight\u2019s debate could be the last real chance for leaders to change the trajectory of the campaign.<\/p>\n

While each leader faces a different challenge, the debate is likely to revolve around one question: can Paul St-Pierre Plamondon convert the Parti Qu\u00e9b\u00e9cois\u2019s lead into a majority government?<\/p>\n

Christine Fr\u00e9chette<\/p>\n

Her goal: revive a fading campaign and save her political future.<\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9chette initially helped the Coalition Avenir Qu\u00e9bec recover after a difficult start to the year, particularly among francophone federalist voters.<\/p>\n

But recent polls indicate the revival has lost steam, with some analysts suggesting Fr\u00e9chette\u2019s combative demeanor in the first two debates harmed her standing. She may be in a battle to win her own seat in Trois-Rivi\u00e8res.<\/p>\n

She will be pressed on her ambiguity over her position on Quebec sovereignty, and the CAQ\u2019s eight-year record under her predecessor. Fran\u00e7ois Legault was deeply unpopular when he quit.<\/p>\n

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon<\/p>\n

His goal: convince voters his party deserves a majority government.<\/p>\n

His Parti Qu\u00e9b\u00e9cois has long led the polls but projections suggest it may only win a minority.<\/p>\n

Polls show the PQ gaining strength, particularly among older voters and in key suburban ridings north and south of Montreal, raising the prospect that he could win the 64 seats needed for a majority.<\/p>\n

Yet St-Pierre Plamondon still faces the challenge that has defined the campaign: convincing PQ-curious voters that another referendum is not a risk they should fear. About 70 per cent of Quebec voters say they would vote No.<\/p>\n

Charles Milliard<\/p>\n

His goal: convince federalists his Liberals are the best option for stopping the PQ.<\/p>\n

In the debate, he\u2019ll focus heavily on sovereignty, arguing the Liberals are the only true federalist party and warning of the risks of a third referendum.<\/p>\n

Seven months after becoming leader, he is still trying to raise his profile. Polls suggest voters don\u2019t yet see him as a potential premier. <\/p>\n

\u00c9ric Duhaime<\/p>\n

His goal: turn rising support into seats, particularly in the highly competitive Quebec City region.<\/p>\n

He says a strong Quebec Conservative showing could allow his party to hold the balance of power in a minority National Assembly.<\/p>\n

He wants his Conservative Party of Quebec to win at least 12 seats, giving it official party status in the National Assembly. <\/p>\n

The Conservatives have risen in the polls thanks to a campaign focused on Quebec City and surrounding regions, with promises of tax cuts and smaller government.<\/p>\n

Quebec Conservatives have not won a seat in the province since the 1930s. <\/p>\n

Ruba Ghazal<\/p>\n

Her goal: stop support from bleeding away and emphasize her party\u2019s role as the voice of progressive voters.<\/p>\n

Her left-of-centre, pro-sovereignty Qu\u00e9bec solidaire is in fifth place, with polls putting some Montreal strongholds at risk. <\/p>\n

Ghazal is expected to continue her focus on bread-and-butter issues such as grocery prices and the lack of affordable housing. <\/p>\n

Those are among voters\u2019 top concerns, yet Qu\u00e9bec solidaire has so far struggled to translate them into broader electoral support.<\/p>\n

7 p.m.<\/p>\n

What the polls are saying<\/p>\n

7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Advance voting starts soon. Here\u2019s what to know<\/p>\n

\"ATim Snow \/THE GAZETTE<\/p>\n

Advance voting begins Sunday.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how to check that you\u2019re on the list, what ID you\u2019ll need, and the different ways to cast a ballot before Oct. 5.<\/p>\n

Read our full story, by Andy Riga<\/a><\/p>\n

7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s who is running in your riding<\/p>\n

7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Subscribe to our newsletter<\/p>\n

\"White<\/a><\/p>\n

The Gazette\u2019s On Quebec Politics newsletter breaks down key election issues, from polling shifts to legislative manoeuvring to ideas circulating in francophone commentary that don\u2019t make it into English-language coverage.<\/p>\n

To sign up, visit this page<\/a> and check the box labelled \u201cOn Quebec Politics\u201d before providing your email address.<\/p>\n

7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Libman: After two leaders\u2019 debates, what\u2019s changed in the Quebec election?<\/p>\n

The Parti Qu\u00e9b\u00e9cois may be closer to winning than it was last week, but the Liberals could start to move the needle.<\/p>\n

Read Robert Libman\u2019s column.<\/a><\/p>\n

7 p.m.<\/p>\n

A PQ minority could face an uphill battle from Day 1<\/p>\n

Quebec\u2019s splintered five-party race could hand the province a minority government on Oct. 5 \u2014 and the same fragmentation that produces it could make it difficult to hold together.<\/p>\n

Read our full story, by Andy Riga.<\/a><\/p>\n

7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Cut jobs? Tax the rich? How will parties balance the books?<\/p>\n

Increased spending will require increased revenue, while tax cuts might make for a leaner government. Whatever gap remains between spending and income could result in more debt.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what the five main parties are saying.<\/p>\n

Read our full story, by Jack Wilson.<\/a><\/p>\n

7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Without that French connection, Liberal election win is \u2018impossible\u2019 for Milliard<\/p>\n

\"0911Quebec Liberal Party Leader Charles Milliard chats with supporters at the corner of Peel and Ste-Catherine Sts. on Sept. 10, 2026. John Mahoney \/ Montreal Gazette<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat will you do to convince francophone voters?\u201d<\/p>\n

The question lies at the heart of Quebec Liberal Leader Charles Milliard\u2019s Achilles\u2019 heel for close to a decade: the party\u2019s inability to win over francophones who make up most of the population in the vast majority of the province\u2019s 127 ridings.<\/p>\n

Read our full story, by Ren\u00e9 Bruemmer.<\/a><\/p>\n

7 p.m.<\/p>\n

A third referendum? Trump is just one of many hurdles for PQ<\/p>\n

\"ASovereignists rally at the Verdun Auditorium on Oct. 25, 1995, during the referendum on Quebec separation. John Kenney \/ Montreal Gazette<\/p>\n

Parti Qu\u00e9b\u00e9cois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has pointed to U.S. President Donald Trump and global economic uncertainty to justify delaying any sovereignty referendum until 2029 or 2030.<\/p>\n

But Trump\u2019s trade war with Canada is only one of multiple obstacles facing the independence movement.<\/p>\n

Sovereignty has struggled for years with stagnant support, voter concerns about the economy, divisions within the nationalist camp and little sense of urgency to break from Canada.<\/p>\n

Read our full story, by Andy Riga<\/a><\/p>\n

7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Conservative breakthrough? Why \u00c9ric Duhaime is driving hard in Quebec City<\/p>\n

\"PauleQuebec Conservative Leader \u00c9ric Duhaime waves to his supporter as he arrives at the National Assembly on Sept. 9, 2026. Francis Vachon \/ Francis Vachon<\/p>\n

Rather than campaigning across Quebec, \u00c9ric Duhaime is focusing most of the party\u2019s efforts in Quebec City and surrounding regions.<\/p>\n

His goal is clear: obtaining an even dozen seats that would give the party official status in the National Assembly.<\/p>\n

Read our full story, by Philip Authier.<\/a><\/p>\n

7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Hanes: Climate change is the forgotten issue of the Quebec election<\/p>\n

A series of existential matters has been competing for the attention of voters and dominating the discourse of campaigning party leaders ahead of the Oct. 5 Quebec election.<\/p>\n

But the biggest threat, which has stared us in the face for decades, is barely registering on the campaign trail.<\/p>\n

Climate change has fallen off the radar.<\/p>\n

Read Alison Hanes\u2019s full column.<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\tEditor\u2019s Picks\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Profile<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tA Montreal native, Andy Riga has been with The Gazette since 1991. He covers politics, language and other Quebec issues, and writes the On Quebec Politics newsletter. Montr\u00e9alais d\u2019origine, Andy Riga travaille au Montreal Gazette depuis 1991. Il couvre la politique, les enjeux linguistiques et d\u2019autres sujets, et est responsable de l\u2019infolettre On Quebec Politics.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tariga@postmedia.com
\n\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t