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Francois Legault shuffles cabinet as two ministers announce run for CAQ leadership

  • Caroline Plante

    Caroline Plante

  • Canadian Press

  • January 26, 2026

Labour Minister Jean Boulet tables a bill in the red room of the national assembly, Dec. 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

QUEBEC -- Quebec Premier Francois Legault has shuffled his cabinet after two ministers stepped aside to run in the Coalition Avenir Quebec leadership race.

Labour Minister Jean Boulet was given the additional responsibilities for the economy, while Benoit Charette took over the environment portfolio, adding onto his existing responsibilities for infrastructure.

These changes filled the positions vacated by Christine Frechette and Bernard Drainville, who are both running to replace Legault.

Legault said on Jan. 14 he would resign as premier and CAQ leader once a replacement is chosen.

The rules of the leadership race require cabinet ministers to temporarily relinquish their portfolios to run.

The party says it will elect a new leader on April 12.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 26, 2026.