Who's running to lead the Quebec Liberals
4 candidates so far in race to take over party struggling in polls
The Quebec Liberal Party's leadership race is underway, with four candidates in the running.
The next leader will take over a party that faces significant challenged and lagging support in opinion polls, particularly among francophone voters.
The Liberals currently hold just 19 of 125 seats in the National Assembly, with their support largely concentrated in Montreal and its surrounding areas. Candidates have until April 11 to enter the race.
With a federal Liberal leadership race also underway, here's a breakdown of who is in contention at the provincial level.
Pablo Rodriguez
A veteran of federal politics, Pablo Rodriguez is widely considered the frontrunner. The 57-year-old has represented the Montreal riding of Honoré-Mercier as an MP since 2004 and has held several key roles in Justin Trudeau's government, including transport minister and Quebec political lieutenant.
Rodriguez stepped down from his federal cabinet role to join the leadership race last September but remains an independent MP until the next election. While his experience in Ottawa boosts his profile, he is also vulnerable to criticism for his association with the unpopular Trudeau government.
Born in Argentina, Rodriguez moved to Quebec at the age of eight and holds a degree in business administration. His political roots trace back to the Quebec Liberal Party's Youth Commission in the 1990s.
In kicking off his campaign, Rodriguez said he wants to improve the province's health-care system, schools and the level of French.
Denis Coderre
Former Montreal mayor and federal cabinet minister Denis Coderre, 61, has also thrown his hat in the ring. Coderre said he wants to counter the growing popularity of the Parti Québécois, rebuild the party's regional support and win back disillusioned Liberal voters.
Coderre's platform includes proposals to nationalize water and grant municipalities greater autonomy, allowing them to negotiate directly with Ottawa. However, his campaign has been overshadowed by personal financial troubles, including approximately $400,000 in unpaid taxes.
In making his candidacy official Jan. 17, Coderre said he has reached an agreement with provincial and federal tax agencies to pay off the debt.
Coderre said he wants to know if representatives of the Quebec government tried to harm his candidacy by making his financial affairs public, and says he has hired a lawyer and could file a lawsuit against Revenu Québec.
Charles Milliard
Charles Milliard, 45, is the former president and CEO of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, a role he held for over four years before entering the race. A pharmacist by training, Milliard has also served as executive vice-president at Uniprix and worked in public affairs with the firm National.
Milliard's campaign focuses on moving the party away from divisive identity issues, such as secularism and language, which have been hallmarks of François Legault's government.
Instead, he plans to prioritize health care, education, and public finances. Milliard is also positioning himself as an advocate for regional development, seeking to broaden the party's appeal beyond urban areas. He said he wants to give the Liberals "a breath of fresh air." Regardless of the race's outcome, he intends to run in the Orford riding in the next provincial election.
Marc Bélanger
Marc Bélanger, a 45-year-old lawyer specializing in international taxation, is the least known among the candidates. Originally from Matane, Bélanger divides his time between Outaouais and Montreal, where he founded his law firm less than two years ago.
Though he lacks elected experience, Bélanger has twice run for federal office as a Liberal candidate in eastern Quebec. His campaign emphasizes a long-term vision for the province, including a comprehensive natural resource development plan. Bélanger also hopes to reinvigorate Liberal activism across the province, uniting supporters in both urban and rural regions.
With months remaining until the April deadline, the list of candidates is expected to grow. The winner will be announced on June 14.
With files from Radio-Canada and The Canadian Press