PLQ leadership: Charles Milliard holds rally along with caucus members

Charles Milliard held a rally on Saturday, alongside several Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) caucus members, after officially launching his bid for the leadership to succeed Pablo Rodriguez.

Rodriguez resigned in December following allegations related to the financing of his own leadership campaign.

At the rally Saturday morning at La Porte de la Mauricie in Yamachiche, he took the floor to list the issues he wants to prioritize throughout his campaign: the economy, public services, housing, the regions, and culture.

“I want to be premier of Quebec for two simple reasons: to create wealth in Quebec, to redistribute it, to finance our social model, to support our regions and to make our culture flourish,” he said in his speech. “I also want to reunify Quebecers. I want everyone to feel at home here, and I want to put an end to the divisions that slow us down and that, frankly, bother me.” “

Milliard visited the PLQ headquarters in Quebec City on Monday to submit his candidacy. He reportedly has the support of at least 11 Liberal MNAs in the National Assembly.

The leadership candidate was surrounded by several Liberal members during his speech. Among them were André Fortin, Virginie Dufour, Jennifer Maccarone, André A. Morin, and Madwa-Nnika Cadet.

“I want to thank the caucus, who are here with me today. I am extremely grateful for the trust you have placed in me. I raised my hand, and you reached out yours,” he said, addressing the elected officials around him.

Millard finished second in the race won by Rodriguez last June.

This time, interested parties have until Feb. 13 at 5 p.m. to submit their candidacy. Candidates for the PLQ leadership race must collect at least 750 signatures from members in good standing and pay a deposit of $30,000.

Beauce farmer Mario Roy has also expressed interest in running for the PLQ leadership. Earlier this week, he asked for help in paying off his $18,000 debt from the last party leadership race.

If several individuals qualify as candidates, the new Liberal leader will be elected at a party convention to be held on March 14.

–With files from The Canadian Press