Maïté Blanchette Vézina to run in La Peltrie for Éric Duhaime’s Conservatives

Rimouski MNA Maïté Blanchette Vézina is crossing the floor to join Éric Duhaime’s Conservative Party and will run in the La Peltrie riding near Quebec City in the October election.

Announcing her move Tuesday alongside her new leader, Blanchette Vézina defended her decision against accusations of opportunism.

“If I were opportunistic, I wouldn’t be running with the Conservative Party,” she said.

Duhaime added: “It’s rare that Quebec conservatives are called opportunistic. I’ve never seen someone leave government and join a party without any MNAs.”

In the 2022 election, the Quebec Conservative Party (PCQ) won just 5 per cent of the vote in Rimouski. Poll aggregator Qc125 places the Parti Québécois well ahead in that riding, while the Conservatives rank last.

By contrast, Qc125 shows the Conservatives in first place in La Peltrie, followed by the Liberals.

“Everyone checks Qc125. You know which ridings are most attractive for the Conservatives. I thought it was important that Maïté Blanchette Vézina run in a riding favourable to the party, with a strong chance of winning, so her voice continues to be heard in the National Assembly,” Duhaime said.

Roots in Quebec City

Blanchette Vézina would not say whether she believed she could have won Rimouski as a Conservative.

“I’m running in La Peltrie because I want to represent the people of La Peltrie,” she said.

She said she has roots in Quebec City, having lived and studied there for 10 years. “We’re looking to buy a residence in Quebec City. My family is still here,” she added.

La Peltrie is currently held by former CAQ minister Éric Caire, who, according to TVA, will not run in the next election.

High-profile departure

Last September, Blanchette Vézina shocked the National Assembly by leaving the CAQ caucus after losing her post as Minister of Natural Resources and Forests. She also called for Premier François Legault to step down.

Since then, Duhaime has courted the Rimouski MNA, who spoke at the PCQ congress in January. She had said she wanted to finish her term as an independent, but on Tuesday explained her change of course.

“I wanted to continue being honest with my constituents. I will continue to defend Rimouski’s interests until the end of my term, with the same energy and dedication. This is a choice aligned with my values,” she said.

Having a Conservative MNA gives Duhaime a presence in the National Assembly. In the last election, his party won 13 per cent of the vote but failed to elect any MNAs.

This is not a first for Duhaime. In 2021, Claire Samson, who had been expelled from the CAQ, joined the PCQ.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews