An Autumn of Upheaval in Québec Politics

Appearing before a public inquiry, unveiling a new cabinet, proroguing the parliamentary session… the dog days of summer have been anything but restful for Premier François Legault. True to form, the Québec Now team brings you a condensed look at the latest developments in Québec politics.

Session Prorogued, Legault Unveils New Cabinet

After signaling his intentions earlier this summer, Premier François Legault reshuffled his cabinet this week as expected. The new group of ministers is tasked with regaining voter confidence ahead of what promises to be a difficult election year for the CAQ. To give the ministers time to get up to speed on their portfolios, Legault prorogued the parliamentary session. MNAs will not return to the National Assembly until September 30, a two-week delay.

Senior Minister Trades Québec City for Saguenay’s Mayor’s Chair

Amid the looming cabinet shuffle, Municipal Affairs Minister Andrée Laforest announced she is leaving the government benches to run for mayor of Saguenay. While the decision was widely rumored, it remains a significant loss for the CAQ government. Laforest was known for her competence and her ability to maintain good relations with municipal leaders, despite frequent clashes between the CAQ and the leadership of several cities across the province in recent years.

Caucus Drama: Legault Expels Defiant MNA Pierre Dufour

Upset by the lack of regional representation for Abitibi-Témiscamingue around the cabinet table, Pierre Dufour issued an ultimatum to the Premier: appoint a regional minister or he would resign and run for mayor of Val-d’Or. Legault preempted Dufour by expelling him from caucus, making a very swift and public example of an MNA already known for his missteps.

SAAQclic Inquiry: Smooth Sailing for Legault, Rough Waters for Ministers

In a rare moment in Québec politics, a sitting premier testified before a public inquiry. The hearings focus on massive cost overruns tied to SAAQ’s new online platform, the province’s automobile insurance agency. While Premier Legault emerged relatively unscathed, his ministers Geneviève Guilbault and François Bonnardel were confronted with contradictions and embarrassing revelations about their handling of the file. Legault himself acknowledged that his ministers “should have asked more questions,” a pointed remark that carried the sting of public rebuke.

Summer Heatwaves Leave Hydro-Québec Reservoirs Dry

Extended summer heatwaves this year have once again strained Hydro-Québec’s reservoirs. The utility’s largest reservoir, Caniapiscau, fell to just 43% capacity—the lowest in 15 years. Since 2023, Hydro-Québec has faced more frequent dry spells, forcing it to purchase power from outside Québec. These purchases surged by $412 million in the first half of this year alone.

Battery Sector: Québec Drops Northvolt

On the same day as Legault’s SAAQclic testimony, Economy and Energy Minister Christine Fréchette announced that Québec was walking away from Northvolt. The abrupt reversal is a major blow for the CAQ, which identified the company’s mega battery plant as a flagship project. The government, having already invested hundreds of millions of dollars, now faces the challenge of recouping its investment and reallocating the reserved energy blocks.

A Ban on Public Prayers?

Even before the cabinet shuffle, the CAQ government announced its intention to introduce a bill that would ban public street prayers. The move follows media reports of the practice intensifying in Montreal; viewed by some as a form of protest. This comes just days after the Parti Québécois, competing fiercely with the CAQ on identity issues, adopted the same stance.