James Hughes Announces Candidacy for Quebec Liberal Party in Vaudreuil

James Hughes, the longtime president and CEO of the Old Brewery Mission, announced he is stepping down to run for the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) in the provincial riding of Vaudreuil. He will replace incumbent Liberal MNA Marie‑Claude Nichols, who is not seeking re‑election. Hughes, who previously served as Deputy Minister of Social Development in New Brunswick and founded Youth Employment Services, said he is "extremely proud to join the PLQ team" to address the province’s "unprecedented homelessness crisis."

The Old Brewery Mission confirmed Hughes' departure and named former CEO Matthew Pearce as interim leader. Hughes emphasized the need for stronger government action, stating that "if we're going to take a real bite out of the homeless population that's on the rise, we need more support."