Story perspectives

PQ Leads Polls Ahead of Oct. 5 Election

By Drooid · Sep 23, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

PQ Leads Polls

PQ leads polls ahead of the Oct. 5 election.
CAQ at 22 percent, Liberals at 19 percent, Conservatives at 18 percent.
Analysts say a minority government is most likely because no party exceeds 30 percent.
PQ, Conservatives and CAQ say they will invoke the notwithstanding clause to protect secularism laws.
Cost of living concerns top voters, with 53 percent naming it the main issue.

Summary

PQ Proposes Dual Practice

PQ leader Christine Fréchette proposes allowing doctors to work in both public and private sectors.
The PQ pledges to halve homelessness within four years and will hold a post-election summit.
A $95 monthly transit pass for all of Quebec is part of the PQ’s Montreal-focused plan.
The PQ intends to extend Bill 101 language rules to CEGEPs, though Montreal may show little interest.

History

Historical Context

The Quiet Revolution’s 1960s reforms led Jean Lesage’s Liberal government to adopt the 1974 Official Language Act, which later became Bill 101 to prevent assimilation by English-majority Canada. Echoing past constitutional overrides, Parti Québécois leader Christine Fréchette now says she will invoke the notwithstanding clause to shield upcoming secularism legislation as the province grapples with cultural policy disputes and fiscal promises.

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PQ Leads Polls

PQ leads polls ahead of the Oct. 5 election.
CAQ at 22 percent, Liberals at 19 percent, Conservatives at 18 percent.
Analysts say a minority government is most likely because no party exceeds 30 percent.
PQ, Conservatives and CAQ say they will invoke the notwithstanding clause to protect secularism laws.
Cost of living concerns top voters, with 53 percent naming it the main issue.

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