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Christine Frechette to launch campaign on Sunday to succeed Legault as CAQ leader

  • Thomas Laberge

  • Canadian Press

  • January 23, 2026

Quebec Government House Leader and Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette tables a bill during question period at the legislature in Quebec City, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

QUEBEC -- Economy Minister Christine Frechette will officially enter the race to succeed Francois Legault as Quebec premier and Coalition Avenir Quebec leader on Sunday.

A source close to Frechette who was not authorized to speak publicly confirmed the news to The Canadian Press.

Frechette has already received the support of several caucus members and five cabinet ministers and will make her entry official with an announcement in Trois-Rivieres, Que.

Facing dismal polling, Legault said last week he would step down as party leader and premier after a successor is named.

The CAQ released its leadership race rules on Thursday, which require Frechette to temporarily step down from her cabinet minister duties to run, with the race ending on April 12.

Other cabinet ministers weighing a leadership run include Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette and Environment Minister Bernard Drainville.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 23, 2026.