CAQ members to begin voting for next leader

Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) leadership candidates Christine Frechette and Bernard Drainville shake hands prior to taking part in a leadership debate in Laval, Que., Saturday, March 28, 2026. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes)

Starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, the approximately 20,500 members of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) will begin voting for their next leader.

The election, open to those who were members as of March 13, is expected to determine whether Bernard Drainville or Christine Fréchette will take the reins of the political party.

• READ MORE: Immigration and the CAQ race: Drainville accuses Fréchette of lying

Those eligible to vote have until 3 p.m. on Sunday to cast their ballots and should have already received a letter explaining how to do so.

Premier François Legault’s successor as head of the CAQ and premier of Quebec is expected to be announced Sunday at the party’s convention in Drummondville.

According to preliminary figures released by the CAQ in mid-March, 20,576 members will be eligible to vote.

• READ MORE: CAQ leadership race: Christine Fréchette outlines her vision for Quebec

The race kicked off in January, when Legault announced his intention to step down as CAQ leader and not seek re-election in October.

Bernard Drainville and Christine Fréchette have since put forward numerous proposals, garnered support within the party caucus and debated face-to-face on two occasions, in Quebec City and Laval.

Fréchette quickly secured the support of several ministers, including Jean-François Roberge, Benoit Charette, Mathieu Lacombe, Ian Lafrenière, Eric Girard and France-Élaine Duranceau.

She also received the backing of former minister Lionel Carmant.

Drainville is backed by members of the legislature, Economy Minister Samuel Poulin and leaders of the CAQ’s youth wing.

READ MORE: Race for new Quebec premier heats up as Bernard Drainville gets high-profile support

He announced on Monday that he also had the support of three ministers: Jonatan Julien, Simon Jolin-Barrette and Sonia Bélanger.

While he is set to step down as premier once the next CAQ leader is chosen, Legault has said he plans to complete his term as the member for L’Assomption.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on April 7, 2026.