René Gauvreau, a former member of the Parti Québécois, announced on Saturday that he will run as a candidate for Québec solidaire in the Montreal riding of Camille‑Laurin. The declaration was made at 17:04 GMT on 22 August 2026 and marks a shift from his previous affiliation with the PQ to the left‑leaning sovereigntist party.
Camille‑Laurin, located in the eastern part of Montreal, is currently held by Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon, who serves as the leader of the Parti Québécois. Gauvreau’s entry into the contest positions him directly against the sitting PQ leader in a riding that has historically been contested between sovereigntist parties.
Gauvreau’s political background includes serving as a member of Parliament for the Parti Québécois before his departure from the party. His decision to seek election under the banner of Québec solidaire reflects a realignment of his political stance, though no additional details about his platform were released at the time of the announcement.
The timing of the candidacy comes as Québec solidaire prepares for the upcoming provincial election, seeking to expand its representation in Montreal’s diverse constituencies. The party has indicated that it will field candidates in all ridings, with Gauvreau’s profile expected to bring additional visibility to its campaign in the east end of the city.
Party officials for Québec solidaire confirmed that Gauvreau will be added to the official list of candidates for Camille‑Laurin, while the Parti Québécois has yet to comment on the challenge posed by a former member now standing for a rival sovereigntist group. The riding will see a direct contest between the incumbent PQ leader and the new Québec solidaire contender as the election campaign intensifies.
The announcement adds a notable dynamic to the race in Camille‑Laurin, highlighting the fluid nature of party affiliations within Quebec’s sovereigntist movement ahead of the provincial vote.