The Liberal Party of Canada (LPC) confirmed on Sunday what many media outlets had reported the day before: Guy Cormier, former president and CEO of Desjardins Group, will be the candidate in the by-election for the Laurier–Sainte-Marie riding on the Island of Montreal.
Several media outlets, including the daily newspaper La Presse, reported on Saturday that Cormier would be seeking to succeed former minister Steven Guilbeault, who stepped down last May. However, the Liberals had refused to confirm the news, while hinting that “experienced leaders from all walks of life are coming together to work alongside Mark Carney.”
In a press release issued Sunday morning, Liberal Party of Canada (LPC) president Sachit Mehra emphasized that Cormier brings to the Liberals “exceptional experience in economic and social leadership.”
“At such a pivotal moment for Quebec and Canada, Guy [Cormier] will be a strong voice for the people of Laurier—Sainte-Marie and will work tirelessly with Mark Carney to build a stronger and more prosperous economy,” he said.
For his part, Cormier outlined his goals in the same press release: “making life more affordable, building more housing, and protecting workers and small businesses.”
A native of Varennes, in the Montérégie region, Cormier served as president and CEO of Desjardins Group from 2016 to 2025. Prior to that, he held various positions within the Quebec-based company.
His main opponents will be New Democrat Nimâ Machouf and Bloc Québécois candidate Zumretay Arkin, a former vice president of the World Uyghur Congress.
Premier Mark Carney announced Sunday that six by-elections would be held on Dec. 7 in three ridings in Quebec (Laurier–Sainte-Marie, Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, and Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton), two in Ontario (Brantford–South Brant and Scarborough North), and one in Saskatchewan (Yorkton–Melville) .
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
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