Quebec’s political landscape is shifting as former Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) minister, Maïté Blanchette Vézina, is poised to join the Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ) led by Éric Duhaime. The announcement is scheduled for a press conference tomorrow, shortly after 11:00 AM EST.
The PCQ’s national executive is slated to meet Monday evening to formally approve the nomination. This move represents a significant gain for Duhaime, who has been actively courting independent members of the National Assembly following departures from the CAQ.
Blanchette Vézina’s alignment with the PCQ has been increasingly visible in recent months. She attended the Conservative party congress in January, co-sponsored a bill with the PCQ aimed at granting regions greater control over immigration, and has made several public appearances alongside Duhaime. This collaboration signals a potential shift in Quebec’s regional political dynamics.
A Boost for the PCQ
During the 2022 elections, the PCQ garnered approximately 530,000 votes, representing 12.9% of the total, but failed to secure any seats in the National Assembly. This recruitment is expected to significantly enhance Duhaime’s visibility and influence within the Quebec Parliament. Currently, as an extra-parliamentary leader, Duhaime requires an invitation from a sitting member of the National Assembly to hold press conferences within the building.
This situation mirrors a similar event in 2021 when Claire Samson, an independent member previously excluded from the CAQ caucus, joined the Conservative party. The addition of Blanchette Vézina provides the PCQ with a crucial foothold within the Assembly.
The move is being closely watched as it could indicate a growing dissatisfaction with the CAQ and a potential realignment of political forces in Quebec. Further details will be released during tomorrow’s press conference.
For more information on Quebec politics, you can visit CBC News Montreal and The Globe and Mail – Quebec.
