Quebec Premier François Legault has officially set the date for a significant byelection in Chicoutimi, scheduled for Feb. 23.
The riding in the picturesque Saguenay—Lac-St-Jean region has been without representation since September when former cabinet minister Andrée Laforest made the decision to step away from provincial politics.
Legault, who recently revealed his own political exit plans, had a six-month window to organize the byelection.
Historically known as a Parti Québécois stronghold, Chicoutimi saw a shift when Laforest clinched victory in both 2018 and again in 2022.
The PQ has been gaining momentum in recent polls and has emerged victorious in the past three byelections.
In the midst of these political developments, the CAQ and the Opposition Liberals are navigating leadership transitions with the impending departures of Legault and Pablo Rodriguez.
The CAQ swiftly announced Francis Tremblay, a dedicated local master’s student, as its representative for the upcoming contest.
Tremblay will go head-to-head with Marie-Karlynn Laflamme representing the Parti Québécois, Catherine Morissette from the Conservative party of Quebec, and Jeanne Palardy from Québec solidaire. The Quebec Liberals are yet to unveil their candidate.
This insightful update by The Canadian Press was initially disclosed on Jan. 20, 2026.
Keyphrase: Quebec byelection Chicoutimi
