Rising momentum for Parti Québécois solidified in Quebec byelection victory in Arthabaska
Parti Québécois Wins Third Straight Byelection in Quebec
The Parti Québécois (PQ) has continued its political momentum in Quebec, winning a third consecutive byelection in the Arthabaska riding. PQ candidate Alex Boissonneault defeated Quebec Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime with over 46% of the vote.
This victory marks the PQ's third byelection win in a row, following their successes in Jean-Talon (2023) and Terrebonne (this year). The PQ's electoral strength is evident, as they lead in polls with about 35% support and an 18-point lead over the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ).
The CAQ, which has held the Arthabaska riding since 2012, suffered a distant fourth-place finish in the byelection, reflecting widespread voter dissatisfaction with the CAQ government under Premier François Legault.
PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon called the victory "highly significant," while Duhaime, who had been hoping to win a first legislature seat for the Conservative Party of Quebec, stated that the byelection was a missed opportunity to correct the "distortion" of the 2022 election that saw his party capture 13% of the vote but no seats.
Boissonneault campaigned on a promise to restore a "broken social contract" in Quebec, addressing economic and social grievances and promoting Quebec sovereignty with a planned referendum by 2030. The PQ's separatist stance contrasts with the CAQ’s nationalist "third way," highlighting the PQ’s appeal to voters wanting a clearer choice between federalism and independence.
Premier Legault took full responsibility for the defeat, citing voter unhappiness with his government's disastrous rollout of an online platform for the auto insurance board, a massive investment in an electric battery plant whose future is uncertain, and a failure to improve the efficiency of public services. Despite the defeat, Legault indicated he still plans to run for reelection next year, telling supporters he felt his experience was still needed to help reshape Quebec's economy.
As the 2026 provincial election approaches, the PQ will focus strongly on sovereignty and social-economic reforms, using recent electoral victories to build momentum. Duhaime, on the other hand, has promised to redouble efforts ahead of the 2026 election, starting "almost from zero" four years ago. The electoral context in Quebec is changing, and the PQ's success in byelections and polls suggests that they are well-positioned to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction with the CAQ.
[1] CBC News. (2023, March 24). Parti Québécois wins Quebec byelection in Arthabaska. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/parti-quebecois-wins-arthabaska-byelection-1.6457432
[2] Global News. (2023, March 24). Parti Québécois wins Quebec byelection in Arthabaska. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/9186411/parti-quebecois-wins-arthabaska-byelection/
[3] La Presse. (2023, March 24). Parti Québécois gagne une nouvelle fois l'élection partielle d'Arthabaska. Retrieved from https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/politique/202303/24/01-5134051-parti-quebecois-gagne-une-nouvelle-fois-le-depute-de-l-arthabaska.php
[4] Le Devoir. (2023, March 24). Parti Québécois gagne l'élection partielle d'Arthabaska. Retrieved from https://www.ledevoir.com/politique/quebec/546850/parti-quebecois-gagne-le-depute-de-l-arthabaska
[5] The Globe and Mail. (2023, March 24). Parti Québécois wins Quebec byelection in Arthabaska. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/quebec/article-parti-quebecois-wins-quebec-byelection-in-arthabaska/
- The victory in Arthabaska by the Parti Québécois has gained significant attention in the realm of policy-and-legislation, as it highlights ongoing issues in the economy and politics of Quebec.
- The PQ's focus on social-economic reforms and Quebec sovereignty, as seen in their recent byelection victories and leading poll positions, has sparked interest in the general news and the health of the province's political landscape.
- Amidst widespread voter dissatisfaction with the CAQ government, the political and economic policies of both the Parti Québécois and the Conservative Party of Quebec are under closer scrutiny, particularly before the upcoming 2026 provincial election.
