Key component for the Blue Salon's Furnishings
In the recently concluded by-election for the riding of Arthabaska-L'Érable, Alex Boissonneault of the Parti Québécois (PQ) emerged victorious, securing over 46% of the vote. This marks a significant political shift in the region, which had been a conservative stronghold until now [1][2].
The key candidates in the race were Boissonneault and Éric Duhaime, leader of the Quebec Conservative Party. Duhaime received approximately 35% of the vote, while the ruling Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), led by Premier François Legault, finished a distant fourth with only 7% [1][2][4].
Boissonneault's win is the first time since 1998 that the PQ has taken this seat, reflecting a surge of support for Quebec sovereignty and dissatisfaction with the CAQ government [1][2]. This victory, coupled with two previous by-election wins for the PQ, signals growing momentum for the sovereigntist party, which has been leading in provincial polls for about two years despite holding relatively few seats in the National Assembly [1][2].
The outcome has broader implications for Quebec politics ahead of the 2026 provincial elections. The PQ's rise positions them as the main alternative to the CAQ government, creating a more competitive environment for the upcoming general election [2]. Premier Legault has acknowledged the defeat with humility and plans consultations within his party, suggesting potential cabinet reshuffles and strategy adjustments going forward [4].
The riding includes Victoriaville and was previously held by the CAQ since 2012. A total of ten candidates were running in the by-election, including Boissonneault, Duhaime, Keven Brasseur (CAQ), Chantale Marchand (Parti libéral du Québec), and Pascale Fortin (Québec solidaire) [3].
The average turnout for by-elections is 41.43%, according to Elections Quebec. Over 15,000 people voted in advance in the by-election, representing 26% of the electors in the Bois-Francs riding. This is almost double the number of electors who voted in advance at the last by-election in Terrebonne [3].
If the PQ wins, it could gain momentum ahead of the next elections. If the Quebec Conservative Party wins, it could enter the Salon bleu and change the face of the National Assembly [3]. The margin of error in local polls is too high to predict the election result with certainty [3].
Visit the Elections Quebec website to find your polling station and exercise your right to vote. The citizens of Arthabaska-L'Érable will elect a new MNA on Monday, and the result of the by-election will provide insight into citizens' satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the CAQ government.
[1] CBC News. (2023, April 24). PQ's Alex Boissonneault wins Arthabaska-L'Érable by-election. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/arthabaska-lerable-byelection-results-1.6526019
[2] Global News. (2023, April 24). PQ's Alex Boissonneault wins Arthabaska-L'Érable by-election. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/9224955/arthabaska-lerable-byelection-results/
[3] La Presse. (2023, April 24). Alex Boissonneault remporte l'élection partielle d'Arthabaska-L'Érable. Retrieved from https://www.lapresse.ca/info/actualites/quebec/202304/24/01-5105037-alex-boissonneault-remporte-le-mandat-darthabaska-lerable.php
[4] Le Devoir. (2023, April 24). Alex Boissonneault remporte l'élection partielle d'Arthabaska-L'Érable. Retrieved from https://www.ledevoir.com/politique/quebec/571398/alex-boissonneault-remporte-l-election-partielle-darthabaska-lerable
The political landscape in Arthabaska-L'Érable has experienced a significant shift following the by-election, as the PQ's Alex Boissonneault secured victory, marking the first time since 1998 that the party has taken this seat. This victory, coupled with the PQ's growing momentum and leadership in provincial polls, positions them as a formidable contender heading into the 2026 provincial elections, potentially altering the political policy-and-legislation and general news narratives in the province. On the other hand, the governing CAQ's fourth-place finish and Premier François Legault's acknowledgment of the defeat indicate potential strategy adjustments and consultations within the party. The outcome of this by-election provides valuable insight into citizens' satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the CAQ government.
