A member of the CAQ party, expelled from the cabinet, announces departure from the party, expressing disillusionment with leader Legault.

Blanchette Vézina, formerly with CAQ, announces her decision to operate independently and voices concerns over Legault's continued leadership in the CAQ.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 28 . 6:55 AM

2 min read

Quebec's CAQ party member departs cabinet, claiming loss of trust in party leader Legault

A member of the CAQ party, expelled from the cabinet, announces departure from the party, expressing disillusionment with leader Legault.

In a move that could shake up Quebec politics, Maiète Blanchette Vézina, the former natural resources and forestry minister, has resigned from the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) party and will sit as an Independent in the provincial legislature. This departure comes amidst a wave of unpopularity for the CAQ party and Premier François Legault, one year before the provincial election.

Blanchette Vézina's resignation follows her criticism of Legault's policies for neglecting Quebec's regions. Her departure is the latest controversy for the CAQ party, which has been struggling to steer a bill aimed at protecting the forestry industry in Quebec. The legislation has sparked blockades from Indigenous people who claim it threatens their way of life.

Blanchette Vézina was elected in 2022 in the riding of Rimouski. Since her resignation, she has expressed that she no longer has faith in Premier Legault. Her departure from the CAQ party comes after the dismissal of François Bonnardel as Minister of Public Security. Bonnardel, who continues to serve as a Member of the National Assembly of Quebec representing the CAQ, was dropped from the cabinet last week and was absent during the caucus gathering in the legislature.

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