The race for Quebec’s provincial election is gearing up for an official kickoff by the end of August, marking the beginning of a lively five-week campaign leading to the vote on Oct. 5.
Daniel Tran, the director of communications and governmental affairs at Casacom, shared insights on the imminent start of the campaign. He highlighted the strategic timing, just before Labor Day, as families come together to discuss politics and the road ahead.
Time is a crucial factor in election campaigns, noted Tran, emphasizing the challenges of managing various tasks simultaneously.
Recent polls indicate that the Parti Québécois is currently ahead in voter preferences, with the Coalition Avenir Québec and the Quebec Liberals following behind. Despite this, a significant portion of Quebecers remain undecided, with key issues like the cost of living, housing affordability, and relations with the United States expected to take center stage during the campaign.
The upcoming election sees the CAQ, after nearly eight years in power, led by new leader and Premier Christine Fréchette. The party is undergoing a rebranding effort under the leadership transition, with a notable turnover as over a third of its current and former Members of the National Assembly opt out of seeking re-election.
Tran highlighted the shift from the Legault era to the Christine Fréchette era as a significant focus for the CAQ’s campaign strategy.
On the other hand, the Quebec Liberals, under new leader Charles Milliard, are working to regain support. The Parti Québécois aims to hold onto its lead, despite ongoing debates surrounding leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon’s commitment to a sovereignty referendum within the first term.
The upcoming election has sparked discussions among Montreal voters, many of whom are undecided but have clear priorities for the campaign. Housing affordability, the increasing cost of living, and trade relations with the United States are among the top concerns voiced by voters.
CityNews spoke with Montreal residents, highlighting their focus on critical issues such as the rising cost of living, housing challenges, and trade negotiations with the United States.
