Saint‑Jérôme, Quebec – On June 26, 2026, the Coalition Avenir Québec announced that former municipal councillor Carla Pierre-Paul will run as the party’s candidate in the Saint‑Jérôme riding, stepping in for outgoing Member of Parliament Youri Chassin.
Pierre-Paul’s selection comes amid a broader reshuffle within the CAQ as the party prepares for the upcoming provincial election. The announcement follows a wave of departures, with 33 members of parliament publicly indicating they will not seek re‑election and more than 30 additional legislators issuing withdrawal notices.
Youri Chassin, who has represented Saint‑Jérôme, is among those exiting the legislature at the end of the current term. The CAQ’s decision to field Pierre-Paul reflects its strategy to refresh its slate of candidates across the province in response to the unprecedented number of seats opening.
The party’s leadership has indicated that the influx of new candidates is intended to maintain continuity while introducing fresh perspectives to the electorate. Pierre-Paul’s background in municipal governance is highlighted as experience that aligns with the CAQ’s priorities for local issues.
The record number of announced departures marks a significant shift in Quebec’s political landscape, prompting parties to accelerate candidate recruitment. The CAQ’s rollout of new nominees, including Pierre-Paul, is part of a coordinated effort to present a complete roster ahead of the election calendar.
Observers note that the scale of the turnover could influence campaign dynamics in multiple ridings, with Saint‑Jérôme now featuring a former local council member as the CAQ’s representative. The party’s next steps will involve campaign planning and voter outreach as the election date approaches.
The CAQ’s candidate announcements continue to unfold, signaling an active preparation phase for the province’s forthcoming electoral contest.