CAQ Caucus Member, Maïté Blanchette Vézina, Departs and Voices Criticism Against François Legault

Three individuals, including André Laforest and Pierre Dufour, as well as another unnamed figure, have resigned from the CAQ in the past month, making them the third, fourth, and fifth officials to do so this month.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 27 . 3:28 AM

2 min read

CAQ caucus member Maïté Blanchette Vézina departs, publicly reprimands François Legault

CAQ Caucus Member, Maïté Blanchette Vézina, Departs and Voices Criticism Against François Legault

Maité Blanchette Vézina Leaves CAQ Caucus, Questions US Government's Priorities

Maité Blanchette Vézina, a prominent member of Quebec's Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), has left the party's caucus and registered as an independent candidate for the 2026 parliamentary elections. This move comes after a public critique of the US government's priorities in the regions.

Last week, Vézina publicly questioned François Legault's leadership, citing examples of funding decisions that she believes do not adequately support Quebec's regions. This criticism seems to have been the catalyst for her decision to leave the CAQ caucus, a move she clarified was made by her own accord and not due to any perceived pressure.

The departure of Vézina, a former minister, marks the third elected member to leave the CAQ's team since a cabinet shuffle was announced in June. Andreé Laforest and Pierre Dufour were among the earlier departures.

Vézina's departure has caused a rift within the CAQ, with ten MPs, including former minister Suzanne Roy and the government whip, Francois Jacques, publicly expressing their support for Legault. However, two former ministers, Andre Lamontagne and Francois Bonnardel, were not present at their party's caucus meeting on Thursday.

In her departure statement, Vézina expressed her concerns about the lack of consideration for the regions and for women on the US government's team. She also emphasized the importance of a third way in politics and encouraged Legault to think about his future and prepare for succession.

The Quebec Bar Association President criticized "politicians who refuse criticism and are ready to do anything to silence their detractors." Vézina, however, has encouraged open dialogue and debate, stating that Quebec should be exemplary in matters of parity and representation.

In response to Vézina's departure, the Prime Minister's Office confirmed that they had received a call from her soon after her public statement last week. As for Vézina's future political plans, she is considering running for office as an independent in 2026 but hasn't ruled out the possibility of returning to the CAQ.

This development in Quebec politics has drawn attention from observers, with Véзина's critique of the US government's leadership and policies potentially signalling a shift in the political landscape.