Quebec parties gear up as provincial election campaign nears
Posted August 5, 2026 1:23 pm.
Last Updated August 5, 2026 2:03 pm.
Quebec’s provincial election campaign is expected to officially begin at the end of August, setting the stage for a five-week race ahead of the Oct. 5 vote.
“The campaign should be launched officially at the end of the month,” said Daniel Tran, director of communications and governmental affairs at Casacom.
“The end of the month, which is a couple of days right before Labour Day, which is a great timing, because this is the moment where families gather together, we’ll talk about politics, we’ll talk about what’s coming ahead.
“The greatest enemy of a campaign is time, because you have to do everything, everywhere, all at once.”
Recent polling has shown the Parti Québécois is leading voter intentions, with the governing Coalition Avenir Québec and the Quebec Liberals trailing. However, many Quebecers remain undecided, with issues such as the cost of living, housing affordability and relations with the United States expected to dominate the campaign.
After nearly eight years in office, the CAQ enters the election under new leader and Premier Christine Fréchette. The party has rebranded around its new leader and is also facing significant turnover, with more than one-third of its current and former MNAs not seeking re-election.
“There’s a big effort to try to disconnect from the Legault era to begin for the Christine Fréchette era,” said Tran.
Meanwhile, the Quebec Liberals are looking to rebuild support under new leader Charles Milliard, while the Parti Québécois will try to maintain its lead despite ongoing debate over leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon’s pledge to hold a sovereignty referendum during a first mandate.
“Especially with the discussion with separation and staying with the Canada, who can be the best person to be the captain to defend the province of Quebec? And this is what a lot of the voters will have in mind,” said Tran.
CityNews spoke with several Montreal voters, many of whom said they remain undecided ahead of the campaign but already know the issues they want addressed. Housing affordability, the rising cost of living and trade with the United States topped the list of concerns.
“Well I think housing is obviously a main one, the cost of living,” said one voter.
“Undecided,” another voter said when asked how they plan to vote, while a third added, “No I’m not decided yet.”
On the issues, one voter said, “Cost of living. I think everything is getting ridiculous. We can’t even feed ourselves let alone going out and shopping and taking care of our families.”
Another said, “Definitely housing and housing and housing,” while another pointed to trade, saying, “The most important now is finding a deal with the United States regarding the tariffs.”
