Lionel Carmant returns to CAQ caucus

Quebec Premier Francois Legault, left, and MNA Lionel Carmant walk together to question period after Carmant rejoins the government caucus, at the legislature in Quebec City Wednesday, April 1, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

Former Quebec minister Lionel Carmant is rejoining the Coalition Avenir Québec caucus, five months after he resigned from the governing party to sit as an Independent over concerns with a bill reforming doctor pay.

A smiling Carmant made the announcement alongside outgoing Premier François Legault.

Carmant resigned in October amid widespread protest over proposed legislation to change the way doctors are paid, including tying a part of their remuneration to performance targets.

The uproar over the bill and Carmant’s resignation were part of a series of setbacks that led Legault to announce his resignation in January.

But Carmant now says he wants to stand next to his old friend during his last days as premier.

Carmant had previously indicated that he would rejoin caucus if Christine Fréchette wins the party’s leadership race ending later this month.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 1, 2026.