Charles Milliard has taken the reins as the new leader of the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) following a lack of contenders entering the race before the deadline on Friday.
A year after finishing as the runner-up in previous leadership elections, Milliard is set to succeed Pablo Rodriguez as the head of the PLQ.
After a series of scandals leading up to Rodriguez’s resignation in December and a subsequent drop in the party’s popularity, only Milliard and Mario Roy showed interest in running for the leadership position. However, Roy, a farmer from Beauce, was unable to qualify for the race due to debts accrued from a previous run in 2025.
Expressing his gratitude, Milliard stated in a press release from the PLQ, “Serving our party as leader is an immense privilege. I accept this with determination, with pride, and with the deep conviction that we have before us a real opportunity to build something strong.”
Daniel Tran, the director of communications and governmental relations at Casacom, highlighted Milliard’s diverse experience as a pharmacist and CEO of Quebec’s Federation of Chambers of Commerce, stating that these roles demonstrate his competency in areas important to Quebecers.
Although a political newcomer, Tran noted that Milliard faces the challenge of establishing authority due to his limited recognition. However, with his fresh perspective and immediate access to leadership, Milliard aims to revitalize the party that has lost favor among many in the francophone majority.
The leadership race unfolds at a critical juncture in Quebec politics, coinciding with the Coalition Avenir Québec’s search for a new leader following Premier François Legault’s announcement of stepping down.
With Quebecers set to vote in the provincial election in October, Milliard’s election serves as a significant development for the PLQ. While supporters like Neil Colman express uncertainty due to limited knowledge of Milliard, others such as Ruth Wani and Jacques Malo anticipate potential for change and fresh ideas from the new leader.
As Quebecers await the upcoming election, Milliard’s leadership marks a pivotal moment for the PLQ, with hopes of regaining support and driving the party towards success in the political landscape.
