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Christine Frechette awaits swearing-in as premier after winning CAQ leadership

  • The Canadian Press

  • Canadian Press

  • April 13, 2026

Christine Frechette gives remarks at the CAQ leadership convention in Drummondville, Que., on Sunday, April 12, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

MONTREAL -- Quebec will soon have a new premier after former cabinet minister Christine Frechette was named leader of the governing Coalition Avenir Quebec on Sunday.

She is to be sworn in before the Quebec legislature resumes early next month, but a date has not yet been set.

Frechette defeated Bernard Drainville in the race to replace Francois Legault, who announced in January he was stepping down as premier after polls showed low party popularity.

On social media, Legault said Frechette is well-versed in economic issues and everything it takes to assume the role of premier with "rigour and determination."

The former political staffer focused her leadership campaign on economic issues, including reopening the debate around shale gas and hydraulic fracturing.

Frechette will be the second woman to hold the post after Pauline Marois, who served as premier with the Parti Quebecois from 2012 to 2014.

This report by was first published April 13, 2026.