Party leaders gear up for final French-language debate of Quebec election campaign. Follow for live updates

The five leaders of Quebec's major political parties on Sept. 16, 2026. (The Canadian Press)

It’s a quiet day on the campaign trail Wednesday as the five main party leaders gear up for the final French-language debate ahead of election day.

Voters are set to go to the polls on Oct. 5.

• See the CTVNewsMontreal.ca Quebec Election 2026 page for complete coverage
• What you need to know ahead of election day in Quebec

Key details:

• Final French-language debate to take place at 8 p.m. on Radio-Canada.

Follow along for the latest updates:

Third and final French-language debate

The party leaders are set to participate in the third and final French-language debate at 8 p.m. on Radio-Canada.

The leaders previously took part in two other French-language debates; one on TVA Montreal on Sept. 15, and another on Noovo and the Crave streaming platform on Sept. 16.

READ MORE:

• Quebec party leaders spar about referendum and sovereignty in debate
• Here’s why there will be no English-language debate before the fall Quebec election

There will be no English-language debate after only two of the parties, Québec Solidaire and the Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ), confirmed their presence with a “yes.”

The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) and Parti Québécois (PQ) declined the offer, while the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ) said it would only participate if all five parties agreed.

- Rachel Lau, CTV News digital journalist.

Day 28

Here is where the party leaders are planning to start their day, in order of first appearance:

Ruba Ghazal (Québec Solidaire)

QS Spokesperson Ruba Ghazal is expected to participate in the leaders’ debate on Radio-Canada at 8 p.m.

Meanwhile, QS spokesperson Sol Zanetti will hold a press briefing with Etienne Grandmont, the party’s candidate in Taschereau, at 9:30 a.m. at Parc de la Francophonie in Quebec City.

Christine Fréchette (Coalition Avenir Québec)

CAQ Leader Christine Fréchette is preparing to participate in the leaders’ debate on Radio-Canada at 8 p.m., followed by a press briefing at 10:50 p.m.

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon (Parti Québécois)

PQ Leader Paul Saint-Pierre Plamondon is set to participate in the leaders’ debate on Radio-Canada at 8 p.m.

Charles Milliard (Quebec Liberal Party)

Liberal Leader Charles Milliard is participating in the leaders’ debate on Radio-Canada at 8 p.m., followed by a press briefing at 10:27 p.m.

Éric Duhaime (Quebec Conservative Party)

Conservative leader Éric Duhaime is slated to participate in the leaders’ debate on Radio-Canada at 8 p.m.

The leaders

• Coalition Avenir Québec Leader Christine Fréchette hopes to stay premier
• Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon brings party back from the brink
• Quebec Liberal Leader Charles Milliard promises to renew party
• Québec solidaire’s Ruba Ghazal enters first campaign as spokesperson
• Conservative Party of Quebec Leader Éric Duhaime vying for seats