Karl Blackburn to run for PLQ leadership
Posted March 28, 2025 3:56 pm.
Last Updated March 28, 2025 3:58 pm.
Former Roberval MNA Karl Blackburn will announce his candidacy for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) on Monday.
On Friday, Blackburn resigned as President and CEO of the Conseil du patronat du Québec, saying he wanted to devote himself to “new professional projects.”
He then immediately called the media to a press conference to be held Monday afternoon in Quebec City, where he will make “an important announcement in the PLQ leadership race.”
This is a last-minute change of heart; candidates have until April 11 to submit their candidacy files to the party.
Already in the running are former CEO of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec Charles Millard, former federal minister Pablo Rodriguez, lawyer Marc Bélanger and farmer Mario Roy.
Blackburn was the Liberal MNA for Roberval from 2003 to 2007. He also served as chief organizer and general manager of the PLQ.
In 2013, he was appointed Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations at Produits forestiers Résolu. He has been head of the Conseil du patronat since 2020.
In recent months, the 57-year-old Chicoutimi native had indicated that he would not be a candidate for the PLQ leadership due to a prostate cancer diagnosis.
He is now in great shape and ready to take up the challenge, according to information gathered by The Canadian Press.
Candidates have until April 11 to meet the party’s requirements. These include a deposit of $40,000 and the signatures of 750 members in good standing, including 350 new members.
There will be six debates, the first of which will be held on April 27 in Gatineau. The PLQ will elect its new leader on June 14 at the end of a convention to be held in Quebec City.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
