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Quebecers are about to find out who will replace Francois Legault as premier

  • The Canadian Press

  • Canadian Press

  • April 12, 2026

Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) leadership candidates Christine Frechette and Bernard Drainville shake hands following a leadership debate in Laval, Que., Saturday, March 28, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Quebecers will find out Sunday who will become their next premier after the Coalition Avenir Quebec counts the votes in a race to replace the only leader the party has ever had.

Christine Frechette, a former economy minister, and Bernard Drainville, an ex-environment minister, threw their names in the hat after outgoing Premier Francois Legault announced in January he was stepping down.

About 20,500 CAQ members were eligible to cast a vote and choose the new leader.

Frechette focused her campaign on economic issues, while also saying she was open to allowing more permanent residents in Quebec.

Drainville leaned on conservative ideas while positioning himself as the candidate best suited to defend Quebec's identity and to adopt a stricter immigration policy.

The winner will have their work cut out for them as the latest public opinion polls show the governing party trailing far behind the Parti Quebecois and Quebec Liberals.

This report by was first published April 12, 2026.