Parti Québécois (PQ) Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is set to be sworn in as Quebec’s 34th premier Wednesday, as his party prepares to form a minority government following the Oct. 5 provincial election.
St-Pierre Plamondon will also unveil his cabinet, marking the next step in the transition of power after the PQ won 59 seats in the National Assembly.
The incoming government faces a range of challenges, including homelessness and the rising cost of living, as Quebecers wait to see how the new administration will address their concerns.
“He’s (Paul St-Pierre Plamondon) a very smart man. I hope he does a good job,” said Montrealer Ronnie, who shared his hopes for the incoming premier.
Leonor Daigneault said she disagrees with St-Pierre Plamondon’s position on Quebec independence but wants to see how he performs in office.
“He has to prove himself,” she said.
Yves Martel said the question is whether the new government will be able to follow through on its promises.
“In reality, will they be able to deliver for people? I don’t know,” he said.
Zach Couture said affordability is among the issues he wants the government to address, pointing to grocery and gas prices.
Political analyst Daniel Tran said St-Pierre Plamondon has identified homelessness as a priority and has taken personal responsibility for the file.
“According to the new premier, the most important file for him at this moment is homelessness,” Tran said.
The transition is also underway at the National Assembly, where elected members from the other parties are preparing to take their seats ahead of the legislature’s return on Nov. 17.
PQ MNAs were sworn in last Thursday, while Liberal members took their oaths Monday afternoon.
Pontiac MNA André Fortin was named the Liberals’ House Leader as the party prepares to serve as the official opposition.
Liberal Leader Charles Milliard said Quebecers expect the party to play an active role in holding the new government accountable.
“Quebecers want to see an official opposition that is deeply committed to Quebec and in tune with the times,” Milliard said Monday at the National Assembly.
Québec solidaire’s elected members are scheduled to be sworn in Tuesday, followed by the Conservatives on Thursday.
Tran said the Liberals are preparing to take on their new responsibilities.
“Clearly the Liberal Party of Quebec is not only getting prepared, but they’re preparing for action,” he said.
Ahead of Wednesday’s cabinet announcement, the incoming PQ government has also appointed former MNA Pascal Paradis as its chief negotiator.
Paradis lost his seat in Jean-Talon in the Oct. 5 election. His responsibilities will include maintaining relations with Indigenous nations and helping manage Quebec’s international relations, including trade discussions with the United States.
“He was known to be really a go-getter, a real collaborator, working through the partisan lines,” Tran said.
Despite its election victory, the PQ will have to govern with a minority. Tran said minority governments typically last between 18 and 24 months, although they can fall sooner if they lose the confidence of the legislature.
The PQ is also challenging the results in two ridings that could affect its seat count.
In Champlain, the party’s defeated candidate is seeking a judicial recount after losing to the Conservatives by 191 votes. In Vachon, where the Liberals won by just 10 votes, a recount began Monday. Elections Quebec said the results were expected by late Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning.
If both seats change hands, the PQ would hold 61 seats, still three short of the 64 needed for a majority.
“Even though it’s a minority government, we still have the threat of Donald Trump roaming around,” said Tran. “So what that means is that parties will be less adventurous and willing to take risks.”
While the other parties prepare for the National Assembly’s return, the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) is facing the task of rebuilding after a historic election defeat.
The party, which previously held 79 seats, failed to elect a single MNA on Oct. 5.
Former premier Christine Fréchette resigned the day after the election, and the CAQ has named former Outaouais MNA Mathieu Lévesque as its interim leader.
“It’s great news for the CAQ to have an interim leader as fast as possible, to really try to hold the hemorrhage and try to plan the next steps,” he said.
Montrealers expressed mixed views about the CAQ’s prospects for a comeback.
“I think they have a very steep hill ahead of them,” said Linda Smith.
Ronnie wished the party well, while Daigneault said she did not believe it had a future after its time in government.
“Good luck. That’s all I can say. Good luck to them,” Ronnie said.
Daigneault said the party had failed to deliver during its time in power.
The new National Assembly is scheduled to resume sitting Nov. 17, with St-Pierre Plamondon’s government preparing to begin its mandate following Wednesday’s swearing-in ceremony and cabinet announcement.
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