Charles Milliard, the newly appointed leader of the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ), was warmly received by a spirited crowd in Trois-Rivières on Sunday. Just days after his coronation, he entered the room alongside his spouse, greeted by nearly 600 enthusiastic caucus members who had gathered to show their support.
Amidst a party shaken by recent scandals and the resignation of former leader Pablo Rodriguez, the caucus members are looking to Milliard to inject renewed vigor into the PLQ. Addressing the audience at the Delta Hotel, Milliard outlined key initiatives for a potential Liberal government, including the establishment of a telemedicine platform available seven days a week, a target of 100,000 new housing starts annually, and reduced tax burdens for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Emphasizing integrity, transparency, and accountability, Milliard pledged to lead a government that upholds these values in response to the challenges the party has faced. Former Liberal premiers Daniel Johnson and Philippe Couillard applauded the new leader and the fresh perspective he brings, while former interim leaders Marc Tanguay, Pierre Arcand, and Jean-Marc Fournier were also in attendance.
Hailing from Lévis, Milliard, a trained pharmacist and former president of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ), faces the task of familiarizing himself with Quebecers, having never held a parliamentary position before, unlike his predecessor.
