The Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) formally warned former member of the National Assembly Sona Lakhoyan Olivier on August 30, 2026, about the use of party branding in her current political campaign. The notice, delivered in Chomedey, Quebec, cited a breach of party rules governing the display of official symbols and colours.
According to the party’s statement, the issue centres on campaign material that incorporates the PLQ logo and colour scheme without explicit permission. The party’s communications director, Charles Milliard, conveyed that the notice serves to protect the integrity of the Liberal brand and to prevent any confusion among voters about the candidate’s affiliation.
Lakhoyan Olivier, who served as an MNA for the riding of Chomedey until her departure from the party, has not publicly responded to the notice at the time of writing. The PLQ’s action reflects a broader policy that restricts former members from using party identifiers once they are no longer affiliated, a rule that applies to all levels of political activity.
The party emphasized that the notice does not constitute legal action but is a formal request to cease the use of protected branding. It also indicated that any continued use could lead to further steps, including potential legal recourse. The PLQ has a history of closely monitoring the use of its symbols, especially during election cycles, to maintain a clear distinction between official party candidates and independent or former members.
Observers note that the timing of the notice, issued just weeks before the upcoming municipal elections, underscores the party’s vigilance in safeguarding its visual identity. While the Liberal Party has not disclosed the specific items in question, the communication to Lakhoyan Olivier is part of an ongoing effort to enforce compliance with branding guidelines across Quebec’s political landscape.
The situation highlights the challenges former office‑holders may face when transitioning to new political endeavors, particularly regarding the use of recognizable party imagery that could influence voter perception.