Bernard Drainville Officially Enters CAQ Leadership Race
Bernard Drainville has officially embarked on his campaign to lead the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), vying to succeed François Legault. The former Environment Minister announced his candidacy at a restaurant in Lévis, where he has served as a Member of the National Assembly since the 2022 elections.
Drainville’s Campaign Focus
During his announcement, Drainville emphasized the urgency of a strong nationalist voice for Quebec. He acknowledged the eroded trust in the CAQ over recent years, attributing it to the party straying from its foundational values. “I’m not in the race to say ‘let’s continue.’ I will be the candidate of change. Yes, I will be the candidate of the real world,” he declared, garnering applause from supporters.
Key Issues and Priorities
Drainville identified several critical areas in his campaign platform:
- Economic Growth: He committed to keeping the CAQ as “the party of the economy,” vowing to support local businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Infrastructure: The proposed third link between Quebec City and Lévis was highlighted as essential for regional economic security.
- Family Values: Drainville stated, “Family is my top value and my greatest pride,” underscoring his intention to prioritize family-oriented policies.
Competitors and Support
As of now, Christine Fréchette is the only declared opponent in the leadership race. She launched her campaign at a gathering in Trois-Rivières the previous week. Support for both candidates has been increasing, with Drainville receiving endorsements from key figures such as:
- Minister Samuel Poulin
- Deputies Louis Lemieux and Luc Provençal
- Shirley Dorismond, Yannick Gagnon, Kariane Bourassa, Suzanne Blais, Isabelle Lecours, and Marilyne Picard
His campaign also received support from Régine Laurent, who resigned from her position at Santé Québec to endorse Drainville, though her decision raised ethical concerns.
In contrast, Fréchette is gaining momentum as well, with backing from nearly half of the cabinet, including Minister of International Relations, Christopher Skeete. The leadership race promises to become increasingly competitive as both candidates rally for support.
