Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette is set to unveil her cabinet Tuesday, less than a week after being sworn in.
Attention is already turning to what role former leadership rival Bernard Drainville will receive.
Fréchette has said he will hold an important position, fuelling speculation he could take over the powerful economy portfolio, the same “super-ministry” she held before becoming premier.
“The first goal that she has put forward is to put both teams together. In order to do so, she needs to give Mr. Drainville the ministry he wants,” said political analyst Daniel Tran, director of communications and governmental relations at Casacom.
Tran said Fréchette faces a delicate balancing act.
“It’s a fine balance between a shakeup and keeping what works. If she starts changing the whole caucus, there could be some internal rebellion,” he said.
Fréchette has also promised a smaller, gender-balanced cabinet as she moves quickly to put her stamp on the government ahead of the fall election.
Early reports from the Journal de Montréal suggest a strong degree of continuity, with Eric Girard expected to remain in finance, Sonia Bélanger in health, Sonia LeBel in education, France-Élaine Duranceau at Treasury Board and Simon Jolin-Barrette in justice. Lionel Carmant is also expected to return to social services.
Tran noted some ministers may not return.
“We already know that Minister Guilbeault and Minister Charest will not be representing themselves for the next election. My expectation is that they will not get a seat at the table,” he said.
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Immigration is another key file to watch.
Fréchette has promised to revive Quebec’s fast-track PEQ program for two more years after it was scrapped last year, raising questions about whether current Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge will remain in the role.
“The first question I would hope she has is: does her vision align with the current minister of immigration? If the answer is yes, I believe that he will keep his role,” said Tran.
“If the answer is no and Roberge is not able to get in line, then she may look at somebody else.”
In Montreal, opinions on immigration remain divided.
“We need more immigration, definitely,” said Montrealer Nancy. “They are our best value, they hold jobs, they’re reliable.”
Marielle, another resident, said the province should better control immigration levels.
“That being said, we welcome Francophones with open arms,” she said.
In her first week on the job, Fréchette has already met with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa, where she vowed to defend Quebec’s use of the notwithstanding clause, calling it essential.
She also announced a tax credit to reimburse the so-called “welcome tax” for first-time homebuyers.
The measure offers up to $5,875, applies retroactively to Jan. 1 and aims to ease affordability for younger Quebecers entering the housing market.
“It’s a very smart electoral move because ultimately, we know right now cost of living is the number one issue for the population,” said Tran.
“I benefited from that from the federal government many years ago. So if they do it at the provincial level, maybe it will make homeownership more accessible,” added Montrealer Sylvie.
Fréchette is expected to reveal her cabinet at a ceremony at 2 p.m. Tuesday.
