The Parti Québécois announced on Sunday that Stéphane Paquet, the chief executive of Montreal International, will be its candidate for the riding of Pointe-aux-Trembles in the upcoming provincial election. The recruitment was confirmed early Friday morning, with party officials indicating that Paquet’s appointment is intended to strengthen the party’s economic profile.
Paquet, who currently leads Montreal International, a organization focused on attracting investment and supporting business development in the city, will transition from his corporate role to seek elected office. The party described the decision as an effort to broaden its economic team, suggesting that Paquet’s experience in international trade and economic development aligns with its policy goals.
The announcement comes as the Parti Québécoist prepares its full slate of candidates for the next provincial election, a contest expected to be held later this year. Party strategists have been assembling a roster that blends long‑time politicians with newcomers from the business and community sectors. By selecting a figure with a background in economic promotion, the party aims to present a more diversified platform to voters in the Montreal region.
Pointe-aux‑Trembles, a neighbourhood on the east side of Montreal, has historically been a competitive district. The Parti Québécois hopes that Paquet’s local ties and professional network will resonate with constituents concerned about jobs, investment, and economic growth. No further details about campaign strategy or other potential candidates were released at the time of the announcement.
The recruitment was reported at 09:18 Eastern Daylight Time on August 23, 2026. Party representatives emphasized that the move reflects a broader initiative to integrate economic expertise into its political ranks as the election approaches, positioning the party to address fiscal issues that are central to the provincial agenda.