With one month to go before the official start of the election campaign, Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) Leader Charles Milliard has set out his “firm and pragmatic” approach – in four commitments – to strengthen the province’s influence within Canada, develop new trade alliances and prepare for changes in the North American economy. “Quebec’s economy depends largely on its relationship with the United States and the rest of Canada, and we currently have a leadership in the Quebec government that is not seeking to reap the full benefits of this,” he said on Wednesday at a press conference outside the U.S. Consulate in Quebec City. “I am deeply committed to further developing Quebec’s economy within the current geopolitical context.” If elected on Oct. 5, Milliard said he promises to “forge alliances by strengthening ties” with other provinces and the federal government to “conquer new markets together” via trade missions abroad. The Liberal leader said he believes Quebec is currently playing “a bit-part role” and other provinces, including those in the west, have “dynamics that are far more inspiring for the population.” He said he would like Quebec to collaborate more closely with Ontario, in particular. “They are our natural neighbour, so re-establishing this alliance is a priority. The west has its alliance, as do the Maritimes, and Quebec and Ontario must form an alliance as was the case before the [Coalition Avenir Québec] CAQ came to power,” he stated. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on July 29, 2026.
