The PLQ welcomes its new leader, Charles Milliard
Posted February 15, 2026 4:35 pm.
Last Updated February 15, 2026 4:37 pm.
A jubilant crowd welcomed the new leader of the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ), Charles Milliard, to Trois-Rivières on Sunday afternoon, just two days after his coronation.
He made his entrance alongside his spouse, in a room where nearly 600 members of the caucus had gathered to cheer him.
Caucus members hope he will breathe new life into the party, which has endured tumultuous months marked by scandals involving some of its members, and the resignation of former leader Pablo Rodriguez in December amid allegations related to his leadership campaign financing.
The new leader of the PLQ spoke at the Delta Hotel to the members of the caucus. He set out key measures that a future Liberal government would put in place, the creation of a telemedicine platform accessible 7 days a week, a target of 100,000 housing starts per year, and the reduction of the tax burden for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
He also pledged to make his government one of integrity, transparency and accountability in response to the various scandals his party has experienced recently.
Former Liberal premiers Daniel Johnson and Philippe Couillard took turns to salute the new Liberal leader and the new generation of politicians he represents. Former interim party leaders Marc Tanguay, Pierre Arcand and Jean-Marc Fournier were also present.
Mr. Milliard will have the challenge of making himself known to Quebecers, whereas, unlike his predecessor, he has never been an MP, either federally or provincially.
Originally from Lévis, Charles Milliard, is a pharmacist by training and was president of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) before taking the plunge into politics.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
