CAQ leadership: Finance Minister Eric Girard decides not to run

Finance Minister Eric Girard has decided not to run for the leadership of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) to replace François Legault, but he intends to run for a third term in October.

At a press conference Wednesday morning at the National Assembly, Girard explained that he did not see a “pathway” for him to win the race.

He plans to remain neutral during the race and work with whoever takes the helm of the party.

“The party will change, but the key elements of the party, nationalism—which I want to be more inclusive and unifying—the economy (…) This third way is important,” he told reporters.

However, Girard intends to run once again in the riding of Groulx, where he was elected in 2018 and 2022.

Meanwhile, three ministers in the Legault government indicated on Wednesday that they were still considering whether to run: Economy Minister Christine Fréchette, Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette and Environment Minister Bernard Drainville.

“I think we need to focus on experience, and I think we need to unite Quebecers, not squabble, and work with other provinces to face threats. So that’s where my thinking is right now,” explained Drainville, who says he is waiting for the rules of the race.

For his part, Jolin-Barrette has already received some support and has confirmed that he is “seriously considering” making the leap.

“Over the past few days, I have had conversations with several colleagues, some of whom have expressed their support (…) and that is very important because the CAQ is a team, it is the third way,” he said.

Jolin-Barrette has received support from former minister Suzanne Roy and Minister of Transport Jonatan Julien, among others.

Fréchette has received support from three ministers: Mathieu Lacombe, Benoît Charrette, and Gilles Bélanger.

“I have been truly touched by the support I have received from my colleagues over the past few days,” Fréchette said at a press conference on Wednesday. “For me, the decision that is currently being made is not just a personal one; it is also a collective one.”

“I am continuing to reflect on the matter, and what is helping me move forward is talking with my colleagues. I am taking the pulse of the situation, seeing how they view things. What is their interpretation, what would they like to see happen?”

“I will let you know the outcome of my reflections shortly,” she added.

Fréchette received further support on Wednesday morning from the Minister of Families, Kateri Champagne Jourdain.

“She is a dedicated woman, a rational woman, a committed woman,” she said alongside Bélanger.

“She goes out into the field, she has this ability to quickly grasp the realities and challenges of a community, sector, or region and then take pragmatic action.”

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews