Legault might stay on as MNA after new leader chosen April 12
Posted January 27, 2026 12:34 pm.
Last Updated January 27, 2026 3:26 pm.
François Legault is considering continuing to sit as an MNA after April 12, which would allow him to receive compensation of $300,000.
The information, first reported by Le Journal de Québec, was confirmed on Tuesday by The Canadian Press.
Legault announced on Jan. 14 that he would resign as premier as soon as a successor was chosen on April 12.
However, according to his office, he is currently considering the possibility of remaining a Member of the National Assembly for L’Assomption until the next general election is called.
He would then be entitled to a generous severance package—equivalent to one year’s salary ($300,069)—which he would forfeit if he chose to leave before the end of his term.
According to Agriculture Minister Donald Martel, the National Assembly should make an exception for resigning premiers.
“I think there should be rules about that,” he said at a news conference on the sidelines of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) pre-session caucus, which is being held Tuesday and Wednesday in Trois-Rivières.
“When a premier leaves, I think we should make provisions for that,” he added.
Martel told reporters that he has known Legault for over 20 years and would like to see him stay until the end of his term.
“It’s hard to think that we won’t see each other anymore starting in April. So, if I could stay close to him until October, (…) I would be really happy,” he said.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
