In his speech, he also focused all of his attacks on the government of François Legault, which has “made Quebec move backwards”, he judges. The challenge remains immense for the PLQ after the electoral beating suffered in the region in 2022, but Mr. Tanguay now says he senses a return to the fold of certain members and an increased interest in the party’s leadership race.
Marc Tanguay, interim leader of the Quebec Liberal Party. (Jean Roy/La Tribune)
Even before its official launch, five candidates have already shown their colors and three were in Sherbrooke, this Saturday, September 28, for the holding of a regional conference with the theme of education.
“The activists have found a smile again,” said Charles Milliard, former CEO of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Quebec, who also recently chose to settle in North Hatley. The professional pharmacist wishes to become the next leader of the PLQ and “reconcile all generations” with the party.
Charles Milliard, candidate for leadership of the PLQ. (Jean Roy/La Tribune)
“Estrie is part of the path to reconquest,” he declares, recognizing the magnitude of the task. It is by relying on the “economic credibility” of the PLQ that he intends to convince the population to succeed François Legault, but Mr. Milliard also identifies a “need for renewal” within the party. He promises to bring “concrete” proposals in regional economic development, transport, heritage protection and support for SMEs during this leadership race.
Having jumped into the fray just last week, federal deputy Pablo Rodriguez also aspires “to relaunch the party, to rebuild it county by county” and points to his campaign experience. “I led the troops of the Liberal Party of Canada in Quebec [en tant que lieutenant] and we won three consecutive elections. […] I have the will to win, and I want it to be contagious, I want people to believe in it,” he says on the sidelines of the liberal conference.
Pablo Rodriguez, candidate for leadership of the PLQ. (Jean Roy/La Tribune)
The one who grew up in Sherbrooke invites activists to “come home” after a slow period for the Liberal Party in the region. “We have a real opportunity for 2026, we become the option, with a government that is worn out,” analyzes Mr. Rodriguez, who promises his base listening, sincerity and frankness. “You have to listen to the world. […] And also speak like the world,” says the politician.
His campaign co-president Luc Fortin also indicates that he is still considering a possible candidacy in the Sherbrooke constituency in 2026.
“Reconnect with the regions”
For his part, candidate Marc Bélanger insists on the need for the party to “reconnect with the regions” and claims to be its best representative. The lawyer from Matane, where he ran twice for the Liberal Party of Canada, has often played a “background” role in politics, but now says he is ready to take center stage. “I’m a little tired of being the one who gives ideas, now it’s me who will articulate them,” shares the international trade specialist, who intends to present a development plan for Quebec based on exports. by our SMEs.
Marc Bélanger, candidate for leadership of the PLQ. (Jean Roy/La Tribune)
Mr. Bélanger believes he can bank on his “connection with people in the region,” promising to be sincere and not to play the tape. “I really embody what people want to have, without being disconnected from Montreal,” he says.
He also says he sees the light at the end of the tunnel for the PLQ in the next elections. “It’s not easy when you’re in an organization and you don’t see victory. There, currently, we see it,” assures the aspiring chef.
Candidates Denis Coderre and Frédéric Beauchemin are also in the race for leadership of the PLQ, but were not in Sherbrooke on Saturday. However, former mayor Jean Perreault, former MP Guy Hardy and current municipal councilor Paul Gingues were present among the forty activists gathered at the President Hotel.
This regional conference is the penultimate in a tour across Quebec which should lead to the holding of the PLQ members’ congress in November.
As for the leadership race, which appears to be well underway, it only officially starts in January, and the next Liberal leader will be known in June 2025.
