Contenders in the race for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ) made a show of force on Monday, as the party’s race officially began.
Posted at 6:21 a.m.
Updated at 9:11 a.m.
Charles Milliard, former CEO of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Quebec, got the ball rolling by announcing new support for his candidacy: former Minister of Finance Raymond Bachand.
During his speech, Mr. Bachand affirmed that Charles Milliard represents youth and experience in this race, affirming at the same time that he was not a career politician like others.
The former Minister of Finance believes that Mr. Milliard is the best candidate to “return to a balanced budget, but without austerity”.
Also present in the metropolis, former federal minister Pablo Rodriguez will hold a press conference a little later in the morning.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Pablo Rodriguez
Among the other announced candidates, we find tax lawyer Marc Bélanger and former Montreal mayor Denis Coderre.
A fifth candidate, the member for Marguerite-Bourgeoys, Frédéric Beauchemin, would have given up his dream of becoming leader of the PLQ. He would announce Monday that he is withdrawing from the race to support Mr. Rodriguez.
Read our report on the leadership race
The PLQ has not had a permanent leader since 2022, since Dominique Anglade resigned following the disappointing results for the party in the last general elections. The deputy for LaFontaine, Marc Tanguay, is acting in the interim.
In order to formalize their candidacy, people running for the Liberal leadership will have to collect 750 signatures from party members, who must come from 70 constituencies and 12 different regions.
At least 350 of these 750 signatures must come from “new members” of the PLQ, i.e. people who have become members since May 27, 2024.
Candidates will also have to provide an amount of $40,000. Furthermore, the electoral expenses authorized for each candidate will be a maximum of $400,000.
The election of the new leader will take place during a congress to be held on June 14.
