Michel Leblanc, a former president and chief executive of the Montreal Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, declared on Tuesday that he will stand as the Quebec Liberal Party candidate for the Marguerite‑Bourgeoys riding in Montreal. The announcement was made at 4:05 p.m. local time on August 4, 2026, and marks Leblanc's entry into electoral politics under the banner of the Parti libéral du Québec.
Leblanc’s candidacy places him in a traditionally competitive riding that covers a portion of the city’s north‑west sector. By aligning with the Quebec Liberal Party, he joins a slate of candidates seeking to represent the province’s major urban constituencies in the upcoming provincial election. The party has not yet released a full roster of its campaign platform for the district.
Before turning to politics, Leblanc spent several years leading the Montreal Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, where he oversaw the organization’s advocacy and business development activities. His tenure as president and chief executive is noted for promoting economic growth and fostering relationships between the business community and municipal authorities. The experience is expected to inform his approach to policy issues affecting the riding, particularly those related to commerce and local development.
The Marguerite‑Bourgeoys riding, named after a historic figure in Quebec’s educational history, includes a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial zones. Voters in the district will now consider Leblanc’s business background alongside the broader political messages of the Quebec Liberal Party as they assess candidates for the upcoming vote.
Leblanc’s entry into the race adds a new profile to the provincial contest, bringing a perspective shaped by years of leadership in the city’s business community. The announcement signals the party’s continued effort to field candidates with diverse professional experiences as it prepares for the next provincial election cycle.