Legault promises to shuffle his cabinet ‘very soon’

Premier François Legault during a press conference in Quebec City on June 6, 2025. (Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press)

Premier François Legault said that the cabinet shuffle he has been preparing for since the beginning of the summer will take place “very soon.”

“Be patient,” he told reporters Wednesday as he arrived at his regular cabinet meeting in Quebec City.

The atmosphere was tense, and the ministers were very quiet when they arrived at the meeting, which lasted only 45 minutes. This is because several of them are likely to be affected by the changes promised by the premier.

“It’s time for this to happen. We are eager to see the final decision,” said Sonia Bélanger, Minister Responsible for Seniors, after the meeting.

“I told the premier that I am in the right position, but it is his prerogative,” said Lionel Carmant, Minister of Social Services.

Health Minister Christian Dubé reiterated that he did not want to change ministries.

Since coming to power in 2018, Legault has made only one major cabinet shuffle, in 2020 during the pandemic.

At that time, he replaced Danielle McCann at Health with Christian Dubé and appointed Sonia LeBel to the Treasury Board, among other changes.

The long-awaited reshuffle in Quebec City comes after Legault’s testimony before the Gallant Commission on the SAAQclic scandal and the announcement of the death of the Northvolt project.

The premier could also prorogue the parliamentary session scheduled to begin on Sept. 16 to give his new ministers time to familiarize themselves with their portfolios.

With a year to go before the next provincial election, Legault wants to present Quebecers with an image of renewal, as his government is experiencing a sharp decline in the polls.

According to the poll aggregator Qc125, if elections were held today, Legault’s CAQ would win between zero and three seats. It currently holds 86.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Sept. 3, 2025.