Pierre Dufour, a former minister in Premier François Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government, announced on Saturday that he will leave the CAQ and run as a candidate for the Parti libéral du Québec (PLQ) in the upcoming provincial election slated for the fall of 2026. The declaration was made in Abitibi‑Témiscamingue, where Dufour said the governing party had not taken the region’s needs seriously and that the Liberal Party would be more receptive to local concerns.
Dufour’s shift follows his tenure as a cabinet member under Legault, during which he represented the interests of his riding within the CAQ framework. In his statement, he cited a perceived lack of attention to the economic and social priorities of Abitibi‑Témiscamingue as the primary reason for his departure. He added that he believes the PLQ’s platform offers a better alignment with the aspirations of his constituents.
The Liberal Party welcomed the former CAQ minister, with Charles Milliard, a senior PLQ official, confirming that Dufour’s experience will strengthen the party’s presence in the region. Milliard noted that the party aims to broaden its appeal across Quebec and that Dufour’s candidacy reflects that strategy.
The upcoming election, scheduled for the fall of 2026, will see the PLQ and the CAQ compete for a majority in the National Assembly. Dufour’s move adds a notable dimension to the race in Abitibi‑Témiscamingue, a riding that has historically been a battleground between the two parties. Analysts note that party switches by high‑profile politicians can influence voter perceptions, especially in regions where local issues dominate the political discourse.
As the campaign season approaches, both parties are expected to intensify outreach in the northern Quebec region. Dufour’s decision underscores the fluid nature of Quebec’s political landscape ahead of the fall election, with the Liberal Party aiming to capitalize on his regional profile while the CAQ seeks to retain its governing mandate.