CAQ minister Caroline Proulx to not seek another term

Caroline Proulx is sworn-in as minister for health, status of women and seniors during a cabinet shuffle at the legislature in Quebec City, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press)

Caroline Proulx, Quebec’s minister for housing and the status of women, has announced that she does not plan to run in the next provincial election.

The Berthier MNA, who entered the National Assembly in 2018, explained on Monday that she wants to put her experience “to work on other projects and causes.”

“As I approach my 60th birthday, I want to take a different approach to the future,” she wrote on social media.

Proulx served as minister of tourism from 2018 to 2025.

During last fall’s cabinet reshuffle, she was appointed minister responsible for seniors, health and the status of women.

Her tenure, however, was short-lived.

Colleague Lionel Carmant’s departure from the CAQ propelled Premier François Legault to reshuffle his cabinet once again, and Proulx was transferred to housing.

Last fall, Proulx was forced to temporarily withdraw from politics.

“A few months ago, I lost my mother suddenly and violently. In the whirlwind of political life, I didn’t have time to fully grieve,” she explained when announcing her break.

On Monday, Proulx made no secret of the fact that the last few months have been difficult.

“I believe that sometimes we have to dare to tell it like it is: this period, during which I had to temporarily withdraw from public life and give up my ministerial responsibilities, has given me food for thought. It is part of the path that has led me to the decision I am making today,” she said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on March 2, 2026.