Jean‑François Cloutier, a reporter for the Journal de Montréal, publicly announced on August 7, 2026 that he will stand as the Parti Québécois candidate in the Montarville riding on the South Shore of Montreal. The declaration was made in the lead‑up to the province’s upcoming election, as the party finalises its slate of candidates.
Cloutier’s entry into the race adds a media professional to the PQ’s roster in a district that has attracted attention ahead of the vote. Montarville, located across the Saint Lawrence River from downtown Montreal, is one of the constituencies the Parti Québécois is targeting as it seeks to increase its representation in the National Assembly.
The party’s decision to name Cloutier as its nominee follows internal consultations aimed at presenting a fresh slate of candidates for the forthcoming campaign. While the exact timing of the provincial election has not been set, the announcement signals the PQ’s intention to field a complete list of candidates across Quebec’s electoral map.
Cloutier’s background in journalism, particularly his work with the Journal de Montréal, positions him as a familiar public figure in the region. His move from the newsroom to the political arena reflects a broader pattern of media professionals entering electoral politics.
The Parti Québécoist organization has not released a detailed platform specific to Montarville at this stage, but the party’s broader objectives remain centered on promoting its core policies throughout the province. Voters in Montarville will now have the option to consider Cloutier’s candidacy alongside those of other parties as the election campaign gains momentum.
The announcement marks a new chapter for both Cloutier and the Parti Québécois in the South Shore region, setting the stage for the upcoming electoral contest.