Former Liberal minister Martin Coiteux returns to PLQ leadership

Former minister Martin Coiteux speaks at a press conference in Montreal on April 27, 2018. Coiteux has been appointed chair of the Quebec Liberal Party's National Policy Commission. (The Canadian Press/Graham Hughes)

Former Liberal minister Martin Coiteux is returning to a senior role within the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ).

Coiteux has been named chair of the party’s National Political Commission, replacing André Pratte.

PLQ president Rafael Primeau-Ferraro made the announcement Wednesday evening, noting that the former minister “will play a leading role in developing ideas” ahead of Quebec’s next general election in 2026.

In 2014, Coiteux was part of former premier Philippe Couillard’s economic trio, alongside former finance minister Carlos Leitao and the late economy minister Jacques Daoust.

The group was often criticized for the budgetary restrictions imposed at the time — even the current PLQ parliamentary leader, Marwah Rizqy, called on the party to apologize for that period of fiscal restraint.

Coiteux later served as minister of public security and minister of municipal affairs and land occupancy until 2018. He did not run in the 2018 election that brought the Coalition Avenir Québec to power.

During the PLQ leadership race, Coiteux supported Pablo Rodriguez, helping to draft the candidate’s economic plan. Rodriguez was elected Liberal leader this past summer.

At a Thursday morning press conference, Liberal MNA Madwa-Nika Cadet declined to comment on Rizqy’s past remarks but praised Coiteux’s experience.

“He is one of Quebec’s top economic minds and a person of exceptional competence,” she said. “He has helped us restore public finances.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Oct. 2, 2025.