On August 7, 2026, veteran journalist Jean‑François Cloutier of the Journal de Montréal disclosed his intention to seek election as the Parti Québécois candidate for the provincial riding of Montarville, located on the South Shore of Montreal.
The declaration was delivered in Montarville, where Cloutier outlined his plan to represent the constituency under the banner of the sovereigntist party. He confirmed his affiliation with the Parti Québécois and his readiness to campaign for the upcoming provincial election.
Cloutier has spent his career reporting for the Journal de Montréal, covering a range of local and regional stories. His background in news gathering and public affairs provides him with experience in communicating with constituents.
Montarville is a riding that includes several municipalities on the South Shore and has been contested in previous provincial elections. The constituency will now feature a candidate who previously worked in the media sector.
The Parti Québécois, a long‑standing political organization in Quebec, added Cloutier to its slate of candidates as part of its effort to contest seats across the province. His candidacy expands the party’s presence in the South Shore region.
Cloutier’s transition from journalism to politics marks a shift in his professional focus as he moves from reporting on public issues to seeking a legislative role. He indicated that his motivation is to contribute directly to policy decisions affecting Montarville residents.
The Journal de Montréal, the publication where Cloutier is employed, is a prominent French‑language daily that covers news across Quebec and the Greater Montreal area.
Montarville, the riding Cloutier will contest, comprises a number of municipalities on the South Shore and forms part of the province’s electoral map for the National Assembly.
The Parti Québécois, a long‑standing provincial party, continues to field candidates across Quebec in its effort to win seats in the National Assembly.