On August 22, 2026, René Gauvreau, a former member of the National Assembly for the Parti Québécois, announced his intention to run as a candidate for Québec solidaire in the Montreal riding of Camille‑Laurin. The declaration was made at a community centre in the riding and attracted a number of local supporters.
Gauvreau’s political background includes several terms representing the PQ in the provincial legislature, where he took part in debates on language policy, regional development, education and cultural affairs. His shift to Québec solidaire represents a change in party affiliation after his departure from the PQ caucus, and he has indicated that his prior legislative experience will inform his new campaign.
Camille‑Laurin, situated in the eastern part of Montreal, encompasses neighborhoods such as Villeray and Saint‑Michel and has historically been contested by multiple parties. Gauvreau’s entry adds a former provincial legislator to the slate of candidates seeking the seat as the province prepares for the next provincial election.
The announcement was delivered alongside Québec solidaire representative Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon, who affirmed the party’s support for Gauvreau and outlined priorities for the riding, including affordable housing, public transit improvements, environmental sustainability and social justice.
Gauvreau’s campaign will focus on aligning his previous legislative work with Québec solidaire’s progressive agenda. He has said the effort will involve close collaboration with community groups and municipal authorities to address local concerns, giving voters in Camille‑Laurin a candidate with experience in both the PQ and the emerging left‑leaning coalition.