Rimouski Member of the National Assembly (MNA) and former minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina made a significant announcement on Thursday, declaring her departure from the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) and urging the party’s leader, François Legault, to resign from his position.
Vézina had recently voiced her disappointment upon losing her role as Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. She expressed, “My trust in the premier and his close advisors has been severely shaken.”
Despite her initial intentions to continue with the CAQ and run in the 2026 election under its banner, Vézina made the decision to part ways with the party during a press conference following the CAQ caucus meeting. She revealed her plan to serve as an independent member and reiterated her desire to participate in the upcoming election.
Citing concerns about decisions impacting regional development, particularly referencing the proposed third link between Quebec City and Lévis, Vézina emphasized, “I no longer support choices that neglect the well-being of our regions.”
Expressing her lack of confidence in Legault’s leadership, she called for the premier to consider a transition in leadership, stating, “A true leader knows when it’s time to pave the way for a successor. I urge the premier to reflect on this matter seriously.”
Following last week’s cabinet reshuffle that caused discontent among some CAQ members, government MNAs convened in parliament to discuss the situation. Despite the dissent expressed by prominent figures like François Bonnardel, who was removed as Minister of Public Security, CAQ officials reassured that unity has been restored within the party.
Despite recent declines in public opinion polls, CAQ representatives remain optimistic about the government’s ability to recover and move forward.
