Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette launches provincial election campaign

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette has officially launched the provincial election campaign after meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manon Jeannotte to request the dissolution of the National Assembly. The general election is scheduled for October 5, 2026, initiating a 39-day campaign period.

Fréchette, who succeeded François Legault earlier this year, leads the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), which currently holds 79 seats. She will face several challengers, including Charles Milliard of the Liberal Party, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon of the Parti Québécois, Ruba Ghazal of Québec solidaire, and Éric Duhaime of the Conservative Party of Quebec.

This election marks the first time five major parties will compete for the 127 seats in the National Assembly following a recent electoral map update. Economic issues, including a trade dispute between Canada and the United States, are expected to be significant factors in the upcoming vote.