Michelle Setlakwe assumes the role of parliamentary leader for the PLQ party.
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Montreal's New PLQ Leader and Caucus Shuffle
Montreal's Mont-Royal-Outremont MNA Michelle Setlakwe has been appointed as the new House Leader of the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ), stepping into the shoes of Monsef Derraji, following Pablo Rodriguez's election as party leader.
Rodriguez, a former federal minister known for his stint as Minister of Transport under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, officially took the reins of the PLQ on June 14, 2025. He replaced interim leader Marc Tanguay, who had been at the helm since Dominique Anglade resigned in 2022.
In a recent statement, Rodriguez expressed gratitude towards his team, especially the officers, who kept the party afloat during Tanguay's interim leadership. He emphasized the infusion of fresh energy with his new team of skilled, experienced, and dedicated parliamentarians.
The PLQ caucus roles have been reassigned in this revamped lineup. Apart from Setlakwe, a supporter of Rodriguez during the leadership race, Pontiac MNA André Fortin takes over as Chief Whip from Filomena Rotiroti. In turn, Rotiroti ascends to the position of caucus president.
Marguerite-Bourgeoys MNA Frédéric Beauchemin has been named Deputy House Leader. The former interim leader, Marc Tanguay, will now oversee health and Quebec City-related matters.
The PLQ, currently holding 19 of the 125 seats in the Quebec National Assembly, is focusing on revitalizing its connections with francophone voters outside Montreal ahead of the 2026 provincial election.
This restructuring accurately reflects the dynamism within the PLQ, as it gears up for the upcoming election with Rodriguez at its helm. The team, which includes a blend of experienced candidates from the competitive leadership race, is set on rebuilding the party's bond with voters after a period of change.
There have been notable figures stepping forward during the leadership race, such as Karl Blackburn, Charles Milliard, Marc Bélanger, and Mario Roy, who didn't ultimately win but have undoubtedly contributed to the vibrant discourse within the party[1][4][5].
- The new House Leader of the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ), Michelle Setlakwe, will steer the party's policies and legislation, particularly in the realm of politics related to transport, as suggested by her former role as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA).
- General news outlets have reported on the PLQ's recent caucus shake-up, with fresh faces like Frédéric Beauchemin taking on roles such as Deputy House Leader, setting the stage for new policies, legislation, and political strategies, including those pertaining to policy-and-legislation.
