Quebec Premier takes ‘full responsibility’ after byelection defeat

The CAQ calls special cabinet meeting after disappointing by-election loss in Arthabaska.

Quebec Premier François Legault says he is taking Monday’s byelection loss to the Parti Québécois with humility.

Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec finished fourth in the Arthabaska riding with seven per cent of the vote — down from the 52 per cent the party collected in the district in the 2022 general election.

Ahead of an expected cabinet shuffle, the premier is scheduled Thursday to meet members of his caucus, who he said “spent the entire summer talking to citizens. I want to hear their thoughts on everything, including the negative comments they surely received.”

“I’m going to spend all day tomorrow listening to their proposals for change,” he told reporters outside the legislature, adding that he’ll take the next few weeks to “digest it all.”

Former journalist Alex Boissonneault won Arthabaska with more than 46 per cent of the vote, increasing momentum for the PQ, which has won the past three byelections. The PQ is leading in the general election polls, according to poll aggregator Qc125.com

The premier acknowledged there are many Quebecers disappointed the government hasn’t done enough to run public services more efficiently. “I think it’s time now for me to show humility and listen to citizens,” he said.

Legault told reporters it hasn’t been “easy to change things,” mentioning the ongoing dispute over pay between the government and doctors. In May, in an effort to improve access to health care, Health Minister Christian Dubé introduced a bill asking that 25 per cent of family doctors’ compensation be tied to their performance.

On Tuesday, Legault walked around Quebec City, speaking with people about their grievances with his government.

Treasury Board President Sonia LeBel says the government needs to do more to communicate with people. “We’ve have results,” she told reporters. “We have to show (voters) what we’ve done in the past. We have to highlight those results, while continuing to work.”

A cabinet shuffle is expected soon. Legault said he hopes the shakeup will boost his government’s popularity in the polls. “A month ago I started meeting with ministers one by one to see if there are any other (portfolios) that interest them,” he said.

Asked to comment on the coming shuffle, Education Minister Bernard Drainville said the premier’s plans have caused “a bit of uncertainty.”

“We’re doing the work we have to do and waiting to see the premier’s decision,” Drainville said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 13, 2025.