Increase in cost of living and sovereignty issues outlined in the PQ's plan following Arthabaska
In the recent Arthabaska-L'Erable by-election, the Parti Québécois (PQ) has made a significant mark on the political landscape of Quebec, securing a decisive victory over the Quebec Conservative Party (PCQ).
Alex Boissonneault, the PQ candidate, won the election with a substantial margin, gathering over 46% of the vote. His Conservative opponent, PCQ leader Éric Duhaime, managed to secure just over 35%. This victory marks the PQ's third consecutive by-election win and their first in the Arthabaska riding in 27 years, signalling a renewed momentum for the sovereigntist party ahead of the 2026 provincial election.
The PQ, once nearly marginalized with only three seats and about 14.6% of the vote three years ago, has since rebuilt its base and is now leading in polls, presenting itself as the main alternative to the governing Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) led by Premier François Legault. The victory in a traditionally semi-rural, conservative-leaning riding indicates growing enthusiasm for Quebec independence, especially among younger voters, and highlights the party's success in reclaiming ground lost over decades.
The PCQ, despite heavy investment by its leader Éric Duhaime in this by-election, failed to secure the seat. This loss may weaken the PCQ’s presence and image, as it remains outside the National Assembly representation with this defeat, indicating challenges for the Conservatives in expanding their electoral appeal beyond their traditional base.
PQ deputy Pascal Berube stated that the party will consider concerns such as cost of living, access to property, and price of gas. Meanwhile, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, the PQ leader, referred to voter discontent with the management of public funds in his victory speech.
Notably, Arthabaska saw a record number of voters turn out for the by-election, reflecting a heightened interest in the political process. The PQ leader reiterated his promise to hold a referendum in his first term, emphasizing the need for "education" and "discussion" about Quebec independence, as articulated by the newly elected MNA, Alex Boissonneault.
The win in Arthabaska-L'Erable brings the PQ into the zone of a majority government, potentially reshaping the political dynamics in Quebec in the coming years. Despite a second defeat in as many electoral attempts, Duhaime highlighted the advances of his party, expressing concern about a setback for "Quebec democracy" in his speech after the election.
François Legault, the Prime Minister, acknowledged a defeat in Victoriaville and left to meet people "on the ground." Support for the PCQ in Quebec has risen from 1.46% in 2018 to 13% four years later under Duhaime's leadership. The PQ had proposed to lower the gas tax before the campaign in Arthabaska-L'Erable, but it remains to be seen how this and other policies will shape the party's platform in the lead-up to the 2026 provincial election.
In conclusion, the Arthabaska-L'Erable by-election has provided a significant boost to the PQ, cementing itself as the leading sovereigntist force and main opposition alternative to the CAQ, while the PCQ faces strategic and representational setbacks in Quebec's evolving political scene.
- The decisive victory of the Parti Québécois (PQ) in the Arthabaska-L'Erable by-election indicates a strategic shift in Quebec's political landscape, with policy-and-legislation surrounding Quebec independence likely to take center stage in the upcoming 2026 provincial election.
- In the aftermath of the Arthabaska-L'Erable by-election, the PQ has pledged to address general-news issues such as cost of living, access to property, and the price of gas within their policy-and-legislation platform, highlighting their commitment to addressing voter concerns ahead of the 2026 provincial election.
