Political leaders react to François Legault’s resignation

Leaders praised Premier Legault’s decades of service and his impact on Quebec politics.

Reactions from top Quebec and federal politicians began pouring in on social media Wednesday after Premier François Legault announced he is resigning.

Here’s how political leaders and public figures responded:

Opposition parties react

In a post on X, interim Quebec Liberal Party Leader Marc Tanguay wished Legault the best and praised his “sincere commitment” to Quebec, particularly during the pandemic.

“There will be a time to take stock of his years in power, and it will be the people of Quebec who will have the final say on his government’s legacy. Today, I want to emphasize the immense responsibility that comes with serving our nation as Premier. It is a dedication that deserves our utmost respect,” he wrote.

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, the leader of the Parti Québécois, and Legault’s principal political opponent, said Legault demonstrated genuine dedication to Quebec throughout more than 25 years in public service — including seven challenging years as premier — and that his leadership during difficult periods like the pandemic, along with the personal sacrifices involved, deserves recognition.

“Despite our deep disagreements over the causes of our current collective challenges and over Quebec’s future, François Legault has always been sincere in his desire to improve the well-being of the Quebec nation,” Plamondon said on X.

“He spent more than a decade in the Parti Québécois vigorously defending the need for Quebec to become a country. By founding the Coalition Avenir Québec, he continued his commitment to Quebec by trying to secure gains for the province within Canada. He chose a different path that likely had its limits, but I want to acknowledge his determination to advance Quebec and preserve its linguistic and cultural distinctiveness.”

Another of Legault’s political opponents, Quebec Liberal Party leadership candidate Charles Millard, also praised his commitment to public service and wished him well.

Quebec mayors respond

Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada held a press conference where she praised the premier’s commitment to Quebecers. She added that he had made his mark on Quebec political life.

“Quebec will now begin a new chapter with a new premier, and Montreal will always be ready to work with all future leaders on Montreal priorities, whether they are related to the economy, social issues, or urban development and housing. The great metropolis that is Montreal needs to have a good working relationship with the Quebec government.”

Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand called Legault’s commitment to the provincial capital “deep and sincere.”

“His great affection for the Quebec nation is undeniable. I would like to highlight in particular his contribution in helping us develop major economic projects, such as the tramway, and his support, which has enabled us to build a record number of social housing units in recent years,” he said.

Longueuil Mayor Catherine Fournier said it was important to recognize the dedication of those who work in public service.

“François Legault, with his long track record and two terms as Premier of Quebec, is one of those people who has given a great deal to our society.”

Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer salled Legault an approachable man and a visionary.

”Even though the last few years have been more difficult, Mr. Legault is a builder. He founded his party from scratch and won his bet. He was not afraid to lead reforms and challenge the status quo. He had a vision for Quebec’s development that is bearing fruit and that we do not talk about enough," he said.

CAQ ministers respond

CAQ Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge said his heart was heavy Wednesday morning, noting that it had been a privilege to work with the Quebec premier. Roberge added that Quebec owed a great deal to Legault and thanked him for his service.

“Under his leadership, Quebec has successfully navigated the pandemic, reformed the school system in a positive way, delegated many medical procedures to a large number of professionals, increased the wealth of Quebecers and defended the language, identity and nation of Quebec in an extraordinary manner.”

Minister of Justice and key Legault ally, Simon Jolin-Barrette, said the premier’s departure is significant and expressed regret at seeing him leave.

“He accomplished what many considered impossible: breaking the alternation of two old parties that for too long kept Quebec in a state of stagnation. He developed a vision that combines economic growth with Quebec pride—a pride he was able to pass on to us," Jolin-Barrette said.

Culture Minister Mathieu Lacombe said he was grateful to the premier and thanked him for allowing him to enter politics in 2018 and for appointing him as a minister at age 30.

Minister of Education Sonia Lebel said that if it had not been for Legault, she would never have gotten involved in politics.

“François Legault convinced me that, despite my doubts, I had something to contribute,” she said.

“Thank you, Mr. Legault, for your dedication and for putting your heart and soul into serving the people of Quebec.”

Former cabinet ministers respond

After leaving the CAQ because of the government’s attempt to change how doctors are paid, Lionel Carmant, once a close personal friend and key cabinet minister for the premier, said on social media that it has been an honour to work alongside Legault.

“Your love for Quebec has always inspired me and changed my life. I would also like to highlight your commitment to young people, their development, their mental health and their future.

“My thoughts are also with Isabelle, your pillar of strength, and the boys who have contributed so much to your commitment to the nation. I wish you all the best for the future. You have my utmost respect and admiration. I love you, my friend,” he said.

François Bonnardel, the former public safety minister who was removed from his post in the September cabinet shuffle, served as transport minister during the CAQ’s first term and later came under scrutiny following the SAAQ digital shift fiasco.

Speaking about Legault’s resignation, Bonnardel said: “I think what should be remembered today is that when I saw Premier Legault, I saw a man at peace with himself, calm and serene. He has left a mark on Quebec’s political history over the past several years.”

Canadian politicians react

In a post on X, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Legault “demonstrated the value of thinking big, taking risks and working hard.”

“François, it has been a pleasure working with you to build a stronger economy during this time of unprecedented global change. I wish you and Isabelle continued success and happiness,” Carney said on X.

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet commended Legault for his years of service and his contributions to economic and linguistic nationalism, as well as respect for Quebec’s distinctiveness.

“There is no doubt that François Legault will find a way to continue to be an important contributor to Quebec’s future success,” he said.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford thanked Legault for his friendship and leadership.

“And for working so closely together to build a stronger relationship between the people of Ontario and Quebec. I wish you and your family all the very best in your retirement.”

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said on social media:

“I want to thank Premier François Legault for his years of dedicated public service to Quebec and to Canada. His leadership reflected a deep commitment to his province and to the well-being of the people of Quebec.

“It was a pleasure working alongside the Premier at our Council of the Federation table. I wish him all the best in the next chapter and thank him for his contributions to our federation.”

Marc Miller, recently appointed federal minister responsible for official languages in Prime Minister Carney’s cabinet, thanked the premier for his decades of public service.

“No one can doubt his deep love for our nation. I wish him all the best in his personal life,” Miller said.

The remarks come after Legault called him a “disgrace to all Quebecers” following Miller’s comments on the state of the French language in Quebec.