Martin Coiteux, a former Liberal minister during the Couillard era, has returned to the Quebec Liberal Party (QLP) in a new role.
Coiteux has been named the chair of the National Policy Commission, taking over from André Pratte.
Rafael Primeau-Ferraro, the President of PLQ, announced this development on Wednesday evening, emphasizing that Coiteux will be instrumental in shaping the party’s ideas for the upcoming Quebec general election in 2026.
Back in 2014, Coiteux was a key figure in former Premier Philippe Couillard’s economic team, alongside former Finance Minister Carlos Leitao and the late Economy Minister Jacques Daoust. Their handling of budget constraints during that period faced criticism, with even the current parliamentary leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, Marwah Rizqy, calling for an apology over the fiscal austerity measures.
Following his previous roles, Coiteux went on to serve as Minister of Public Security and Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy until 2018. He did not participate in the 2018 election that saw the Coalition Avenir Québec come to power.
During a press conference on Thursday morning, Liberal MNA Madwa-Nika Cadet refrained from addressing Rizqy’s remarks but praised Coiteux for his expertise and contribution to improving public finances.
