CAQ leadership: Bernard Drainville to run to succeed François Legault

Current Environment Minister and former education minister Bernard Drainville is entering the race to become the next CAQ leader and premier of Quebec.

Environment Minister Bernard Drainville will enter the race to lead the governing Coalition Avenir Québec and succeed Premier François Legault.

According to information given to The Canadian Press, Drainville will launch his campaign Saturday on social media, getting a head start over Economy Minister Christine Fréchette, who is expected to enter Sunday in Trois-Rivières.

Drainville has the support of CAQ members Samuel Poulin and Kariane Bourassa. 

A former Parti Québécois minister, Drainville returned to politics in 2022 with the CAQ and has served as education and environment minister.

Fréchette already has several caucus supporters, while Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette announced Friday he will not run.

The CAQ leadership vote is set for April 12, with candidates required to step aside from cabinet temporarily and meet membership and financial thresholds to qualify.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Jan. 24, 2026.