Full Breakdown
François Legault Concludes Tenure as Premier of Quebec
4/3/2026, 11:24:00 AM
Final Moments in Office
François Legault attended his last question period as Premier of Quebec at the National Assembly on Thursday, marking the end of his more than seven-year tenure. He will continue to serve as the Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for L'Assomption until a successor is chosen by the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) on April 12. Upon entering the Assembly, Legault expressed that the moment was emotional, stating, "Life is a lot about relationships with people so that is what is most difficult — leaving people." He confirmed this was a definitive goodbye, as he shook hands with reporters and colleagues.
Legacy and Achievements
Legault's premiership was characterized by a focus on protecting the French language and Quebec's identity, often through legislation aimed at immigrants. Notably, he oversaw the adoption of Bill 9, which enforces secularism by prohibiting public daycare workers from wearing religious symbols and banning most public prayer. His broader secularism law, Bill 21, is currently under challenge at the Supreme Court of Canada.
In his farewell speech, Legault reflected on his time in office, expressing concern over the decline of the French language in Montreal and emphasizing the need for Quebec to remain distinct. He remarked, "There are less entrepreneurs that have the means to invest in big projects in Quebec than in the rest of Canada," highlighting ongoing economic challenges. He urged his colleagues to reverse the decline of the French language, asserting, "We have the right to wish for Quebec to remain Quebec."
Tributes and Perspectives
During the session, members from various parties paid tribute to Legault. André Fortin, leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, described him as a "self-made man" who dedicated himself to Quebec during challenging times. Ruba Ghazal, co-spokesperson for Québec Solidaire, noted Legault's significant impact on Quebec's political landscape since he first entered politics in 1998.
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, leader of the Parti Québécois, acknowledged Legault's love for Quebec and his role in normalizing discussions about the province's political future. He praised Legault's ability to create a new political party and bring it to power, a feat not accomplished since René Lévesque founded the PQ.
Future of the Coalition Avenir Québec
As Legault steps down, the future of the CAQ is uncertain. The two candidates vying to succeed him are Christine Fréchette and Bernard Drainville. Drainville noted that Legault inspired him to return to politics, while Fréchette emphasized that the CAQ reflects the identity of Quebecers. The upcoming leadership transition will be crucial as the province approaches the October election.
Verbatim Quotes
- "Life is a lot about relationships with people so that is what is most difficult — leaving people." — François Legault, Premier of Quebec
- "We have the right to wish for Quebec to remain Quebec." — François Legault, Premier of Quebec
- "You literally marked Quebec's recent history." — Ruba Ghazal, Co-spokesperson for Québec Solidaire
- "Even those who don't like him have to acknowledge that creating a new party — that hadn't been done since René Lévesque." — Bernard Drainville, CAQ Leadership Candidate
François Legault's departure marks the end of an era in Quebec politics, characterized by significant legislative changes and a focus on identity and language preservation.
