QUEBEC / RankWire.AI / – Following the provincial election held on Monday, the Quebec Liberal Party secured 40 seats, establishing itself as the official opposition. The Conservative Party of Quebec achieved 19 seats, while Québec solidaire obtained nine. The Coalition Avenir Québec did not win any seats, ending its governance since 2018. The outcome signifies a notable shift from 2022, when the CAQ claimed 90 seats and secured a second consecutive majority. A total of four parties now hold seats in the National Assembly.
Preliminary data indicated that the Parti Québécois garnered approximately 27.9% of the popular vote, marking the lowest vote share for a winning party in a Quebec provincial election. Voting preferences were widely dispersed among the five main parties, resulting in no single group controlling the legislature. After the votes were tallied, leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon stated that his government would collaborate with other parties where mutual interests align. Élections Québec continued to display the initial figures as provisional figures following election night.
PQ returns with a minority mandate, reshaping Quebec politics
The election also brought Quebec sovereignty back to the forefront of provincial politics. St-Pierre Plamondon committed to organizing another referendum on independence after Donald Trump leaves office. Historically, Quebec has held referendums on sovereignty in 1980 and 1995, with voters rejecting independence both times. The 1995 vote was particularly close, with the federalist side narrowly prevailing. During the 2026 campaign, the PQ leader reiterated his pledge to hold a referendum.
He expressed that such a vote would empower Quebecers to choose their political future. Recognizing the realities of a minority government, he stated support from other legislators would be necessary for measures requiring approval in the National Assembly. While the Quebec Liberals campaigned against another sovereignty referendum, the Conservatives opposed holding one. Québec solidaire, although in favor of Quebec independence, holds policy differences with the PQ. No party has secured the 64 seats needed for a majority.
End of an era as CAQ loses all seats after eight years in power
The election concluded the eight-year tenure of the Coalition Avenir Québec. Outgoing Premier Christine Fréchette lost her race in Trois-Rivières, and the party failed to elect any members overall. Having won consecutive majorities under former Premier François Legault, the CAQ’s defeat marks a significant political shift, bringing Quebec a new governing party for the first time since 2018. Fréchette acknowledged the defeat and thanked supporters after the full scope of losses became apparent.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated St-Pierre Plamondon following the results and expressed Ottawa’s readiness to collaborate with Quebec’s incoming government. Carney also praised Fréchette’s service as premier. He emphasized that the federal government aimed to support Quebec’s businesses and workers impacted by tariffs, while also focusing on job creation and housing expansion. St-Pierre Plamondon affirmed his intention to advocate for Quebec’s interests while maintaining openness to dialogue with Ottawa. The PQ starts its term with a seat deficit of five seats from a majority.