Karl Blackburn will not run to replace Pablo Rodriguez as Quebec Liberal leader

Quebec Liberal Leadership candidate Karl Blackburn speaks during a debate in Quebec City Thursday, May 22, 2025. (Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press)

One of Pablo Rodriguez’s main rivals during the Quebec Liberal leadership race earlier this year says he will not run to replace him.

Karl Blackburn, who finished in third place when the party elected Rodriguez in June, said in a statement Friday that he wants to contribute to Quebec society in ways other than through partisan politics. He said he will not run in the provincial election next year.

“Now is the time to come together,” said Blackburn, the former president of a Quebec employers group. “The party must unite its forces and avoid division in order to win the next election campaign.”

Rodriguez resigned this week after just six months as Liberal leader amid allegations of vote-buying and reimbursed donations during his leadership campaign. He maintained he did nothing wrong, but said he had become a distraction for the party.

Blackburn, a member of the provincial legislature during the Liberal government of former premier Jean Charest, had previously expressed interest in replacing Rodriguez. But he is seen by some as representing the old guard of a party that desperately needs a clean slate. Charest’s government was badly tarnished by a scandal involving corruption in the construction sector and the illegal financing of political parties.

Blackburn’s decision may clear a path for Charles Milliard, who finished second behind Rodriguez. Milliard, the former head of the federation of Quebec chambers of commerce, has not yet announced whether he will seek the leadership.

But on Friday, he said Blackburn had “put an end to the divisions” within the party. “Our opponents should take note of what has just happened,” he said on social media.

Earlier on Friday, the Liberals named Marc Tanguay as their interim leader. The longtime member of the legislature was first named interim leader after former leader Dominique Anglade stepped down in November 2022, and remained in the role until Rodriguez was elected in June.

Party president Rafael P. Ferraro said in a statement that Tanguay’s experience and judgment made him the right person to ensure stability as the Liberals prepare for a new leader. The party says the executive council will meet in the coming days to decide how a permanent leader will be chosen.

In a statement, Tanguay said the party must “embody progress” and that the Liberals will be ready for next year’s election.

- by Maura Forrest

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 19, 2025.