Today marks the final day for applications to become the leader of the Quebec Liberal Party. Among the candidates, Charles Milliard, former head of the Quebec federation of chambers of commerce, has garnered strong support from the party caucus.
Another potential contender, Mario Roy, a farmer hailing from Quebec’s Beauce region, has expressed interest in running. However, his involvement may be in jeopardy due to outstanding debts from the 2025 leadership campaign.
At 46 years old, Milliard, who placed second in last year’s race behind ex-federal cabinet minister Pablo Rodriguez, is positioning himself as a force for party renewal. Rodriguez resigned in December amidst a scandal involving alleged vote-buying and refunded donations.
With the Quebec Liberal Party in need of rejuvenation among the francophone majority, the leadership contest takes on added significance. This comes at a crucial juncture in Quebec politics, as the Coalition Avenir Québec also seeks a new leader following Premier François Legault’s recent resignation announcement.
The upcoming provincial election in October adds further importance to the leadership race as Quebecers prepare to cast their votes.
