Former minister Gilles Bélanger quits CAQ to sit as independent

Quebec Minister Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital Technology Gilles Belanger smiles as he walks in during a cabinet shuffle at the legislature in Quebec City, Wednesday, September 10, 2025 THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

By Thomas Laberge, The Canadian Press

Posted April 22, 2026 5:54 pm.

Former Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs Gilles Bélanger is leaving the Coalition Avenir Québec to serve as an independent.

Bélanger was removed from the cabinet on Tuesday by the new CAQ leader, Christine Fréchette.

Treasury Board President France-Élaine Duranceau has taken over as minister of cybersecurity and digital affairs.

Bélanger had been one of Christine Fréchette’s earliest supporters in the race for the CAQ leadership.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews

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