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QC Minister Christine Frechette is entering the race for the leadership of the CAQ

  • The Canadian Press

  • Canadian Press

  • January 25, 2026

Quebec Economy and Innovation Minister Christine Frechette, speaks at Bombardier's manufacturing facilities in Dorval, Que., on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

TROIS-RIVIERES -- Quebec Economy Minister Christine Frechette officially launched a bid to lead the governing Coalition Avenir Quebec and replace Premier Francois Legault, who plans to step down.

She made the announcement Sunday in Trois-Rivieres, her hometown.

She joins her colleague Environment Minister Bernard Drainville, , who announced on Saturday his intention to try to succeed Francois Legault.

Under party rules unveiled last week, leadership candidates must temporarily step aside from their ministerial duties.

First elected in 2022, Frechette is a former Parti Quebecois member who previously served as immigration minister before taking over the powerful economy portfolio.

Frechette has already garnered the support of several national assembly members, including Ministers Gilles Belanger, Benoit Charette, Mathieu Lacombe, Kateri Champagne Jourdain and Ian Lafreniere.

This report by was first published on Jan. 25, 2026.