Quebec's CAQ political party, led by Legault, readies a fresh strategy while undergoing a reorganization
The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) has announced plans for a cabinet reshuffle, scheduled to take place after Labour Day 2025. Premier François Legault has been meeting with his ministers and caucus members since early August to discuss government performance and public dissatisfaction, aiming to "re-align" the party internally.
Timeline and Context
The reshuffle is expected to take place within the coming weeks after mid-August 2025, specifically scheduled after the Labour Day holiday (which falls on Monday, September 1). The impetus for the reshuffle includes addressing the setback in the Arthabaska byelection where the CAQ's vote share dropped dramatically, signaling public demand for change.
Action Plan
While specific ministerial changes and policy directions have not been fully detailed publicly, indicators from polls and public opinion suggest that attention will be on portfolio changes, particularly involving Minister Geneviève Guilbault and Bernard Drainville, whom many Quebecers want to see reassigned.
Premier Legault has stated his intent to demonstrate humility and listen carefully to citizens' feedback to revitalize the government. The reshuffle aims to renew momentum for the CAQ government after recent electoral setbacks, although public faith in the effectiveness of the reshuffle remains limited, with only about 23% of Quebecers believing it will succeed.
Notable Developments
- The Parti québécois won the seat in Arthabaska-L'Érable, marking a significant defeat for the CAQ in a stronghold.
- Education Minister Bernard Drainville acknowledged that the reshuffle is causing uncertainty, particularly in light of the file of cuts in education. The cuts, initially announced in June, were almost entirely withdrawn the following month.
- Minister Kateri Champagne Jourdain expressed her past ministerial experience as an honor.
- The Gallant Commission is investigating the digital transition at the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). Judge Denis Gallant and his teams will be hearing testimonies from ministers and their staff starting Monday.
- The Northvolt battery plant project, which has been added to the list of files that have harmed the Quebec government, has seen a glimmer of hope with the acquisition of Northvolt's European assets by the American company Lyten.
- The parent company of the Northvolt project declared bankruptcy in March.
- The "Bateau ivre" of L'Isle-aux-Grues is up for sale.
- Prime Minister Legault has confirmed that he intends to remain in office as prime minister and leader of the CAQ. Minister Martine Biron stated that the future does not belong to her.
As the reshuffle approaches, the CAQ government will be under pressure to address public concerns and regain trust. The outcomes of the Gallant Commission hearings and the cabinet reshuffle are eagerly awaited by Quebecers.
- The CAQ government faces pressure to address public concerns and regain trust as the cabinet reshuffle approaches.
- The impetus for the reshuffle includes addressing the setback in the Arthabaska byelection, signaling public demand for change.
- Premier Legault has stated his intent to demonstrate humility and listen carefully to citizens' feedback to revitalize the government.
- The reshuffle aims to renew momentum for the CAQ government after recent electoral setbacks, but public faith in the effectiveness of the reshuffer remains limited.
- Indicators from polls and public opinion suggest that attention will be on portfolio changes, particularly involving Minister Geneviève Guilbault and Bernard Drainville.
- The Parti québécois won the seat in Arthabaska-L'Érable, marking a significant defeat for the CAQ in a stronghold.
- Education Minister Bernard Drainville acknowledged that the reshuffle is causing uncertainty, particularly in light of the file of cuts in education.
- The outcomes of the Gallant Commission hearings and the cabinet reshuffle are eagerly awaited by Quebecers, as the commission investigates the digital transition at the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec.
