Full Breakdown
Quebec Leaders’ Debate Highlights CAQ Scrutiny Over Spending, Sovereignty and Immigration
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: First Leaders’ Debate
The first of three televised leaders’ debates for the 2026 Quebec provincial election was held in mid-September 2026. Hosted by TVA, the two-hour forum paired the five party leaders—Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) Premier Christine Fréchette, Parti Québécois (PQ) leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, Liberal leader Charles Milliard, Conservative leader Éric Duhaime and Québec Solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal—on the economy, sovereignty, the French language and immigration. From the opening moments, Fréchette faced coordinated attacks on the CAQ’s eight-year record.
Background & Context
Since taking power in 2018, the CAQ has pursued policies aimed at strengthening the French language, reforming the health system and attracting private investment. Recent controversies include the collapse of the Northvolt electric-battery plant project, a disputed “SAAQclic” auto-insurance board issue, and a major cost-overrun scandal involving an information-technology system for Santé Québec. Opposition parties have framed these episodes as evidence of “CAQ waste” and fiscal mismanagement.
Data & Statistics
- The Santé Québec IT project was originally budgeted at roughly $96 million; the final cost approached $1 billion.
- The CAQ’s debt and spending have risen, prompting opponents to cite a growing fiscal deficit.
- Fréchette noted that the number of Quebecers receiving French-language integration services has tripled under the CAQ.
- Duhaime proposed a 5 percent reduction in provincial spending over the next five years, amounting to a cut of about $47 billion.
Official Statements & Responses
Fréchette emphasized her personal distinction from former premier François Legault, saying she brings a “different way of doing things.” She defended the CAQ’s language policies, promising to extend Bill 101 to vocational training and adult education and to renew the notwithstanding clause to protect French. On the economy, she highlighted a tentative energy agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador as a sign of stability.
The PQ’s Plamondon reiterated his party’s commitment to a sovereignty referendum within a first mandate and criticized the CAQ for prioritizing symbolic projects—such as a new Quebec currency, army and space agency—over health care.
Milliard pledged a $400 million investment over four years to accelerate French-language training for immigrants and accused the CAQ of fostering division on language issues.
Duhaime warned that his proposed spending cuts would disproportionately affect working mothers, particularly through reduced daycare capacity.
Ghazal linked immigration policy to school overcrowding, arguing that underinvestment, not immigration levels, was the primary cause.
Criticism & Opposition
All four opposition leaders converged on the narrative that the CAQ’s governance has been marked by escalating costs and scandals. They cited the Northvolt plant failure, the SAAQclic controversy and the Santé Québec cost overrun as concrete examples of fiscal irresponsibility.
Milliard and Duhaime specifically challenged Fréchette’s refusal to disclose how she would vote in a future sovereignty referendum, labeling her position “unworthy” of leadership.
Ghazal contested Plamondon’s earlier remarks linking immigration to school overcrowding, asserting that the issue stems from inadequate investment in education infrastructure.
What’s Next
The leaders will reconvene for a second debate the following day and a final debate later in the campaign. The provincial election is scheduled for later in the year, when Quebecers will decide whether to endorse the CAQ’s continuity, shift to a sovereignty-focused PQ government, or opt for alternative platforms offered by the Liberals, Conservatives and Québec Solidaire.