Legault expresses his desire for a five-year extension.
Get Ready for More Legault in Quebec Politics!
Quebec Premier François Legault has his eyes set on another five years of political service, aiming to reach a total of 12 years in power. Known for his candid nature, Legault joked about his wife, Isabelle Brais, wanting him home by 2030.
Making his remarks during the 2025 Assembly of the Union of Quebec Municipalities (UMQ), Legault faced some chilly receptions due to the ongoing housing crisis. New UMQ president and mayor of Mascouche, Guillaume Tremblay, pointed out that the lack of funding for municipal infrastructure was causing a stagnation in the construction of new homes.
"Cities aren't building because the aqueducts don't reach," Tremblay noted in his speech. With an estimated 36,000 doors on hold, this equates to a standstill in the growth of a city like Drummondville.
To support their demands, the municipal lobby is initiating a broad consultation on municipal taxation, led by two former finance ministers: Monique Jérôme-Forget (Liberal) and Nicolas Marceau (PQ). The commission, reinforced by experts Luc Godbout and Tommy Généreux-Dubé, will present recommendations at the 2026 Municipal Assembly.
Legault acknowledged the increased transfers to municipalities, which rose by 42% since 2018, and his government's revenue growth of just 27%. However, he reiterated his stance that housing concerns stem from the rise in temporary immigrants. "In the last two and a half years, the number of temporary immigrants in Quebec has risen from 300,000 to 600,000 [...] That's a lot of housing to build, and of course, the more housing we build, the more we need aqueducts and water [...] It's not a question of being welcoming or not, it's a question of capacity."
Exploring Legault's Political Agenda
François Legault's political ambitions extend beyond just housing policy. His plans involve accelerating private sector projects and negotiating with international leaders, particularly with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding aluminum and steel tariffs [3]. His call for better management of immigration stems from concerns over housing, healthcare, and education pressures[5].
Immigration is a double-edged sword for Quebec, as it fuels the province's growth while increasing housing demands, exacerbating the affordable housing crisis [5]. Federal support is crucial in addressing these challenges, as it would enable more affordable housing development and infrastructure support for municipalities [3].
So, buckle up, Quebec! Seemingly limitless housing concerns and a six-year political ride lie ahead with Premier Legault's ambitious plans in motion.
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- As Premier François Legault seeks another term in office, his political agenda extends beyond housing policy, aiming to accelerate private sector projects and negotiate with international leaders on issues such as aluminum and steel tariffs.
- Amidst the ongoing housing crisis in Quebec, a focus on policy and legislation is needed to address the lack of funding for municipal infrastructure, which in turn hinders the construction of new homes, as emphasized by the Union of Quebec Municipalities.
