Share this Story : National Post Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Marc-Olivier Fortin: The once mighty Quebec Liberals are disintegrating

The party appears indifferent to the major issues of the campaign, and voters are responding with the same apathy towards them

In this election, the Liberal Party of Quebec (LPQ) is a shadow of the powerhouse it once was, a party that held government for about 86 years since Confederation, far exceeding any of its rivals.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.

Enjoy additional articles per month.

Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments

Enjoy additional articles per month

Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

Charles Milliard, a former pharmacist, businessman and head of the Quebec Chambers of Commerce Federation, became leader in February 2026, after the previous leader Pablo Rodriguez’s tenure was cut short amid corruption allegations. Following Milliard’s leadership victory, the party’s poll numbers peaked in mid-April when the Liberals tied the Parti Québécois (PQ) at 32 per cent on average. Two weeks into the current campaign, Milliard’s numbers keep decreasing, dipping to lows of 21 per cent as of Sept. 8. To make matters worse for the party, the last few polls have the Liberals in fourth place among francophones, at around 10 per cent. The party leads nowhere except in the Montreal area, and even there the race has tightened.

Marc-Olivier Fortin: The once mighty Quebec Liberals are disintegrating Back to video

I had the chance to meet Milliard a while back. While I do believe he is there for the right reasons, it is unfortunate that he has so far failed to transform his accomplished career into clear leadership.

The National Post newsletter that doesn’t hold back, giving readers the unvarnished truth on media, politics and culture.

There was an error, please provide a valid email address.

By signing up, you consent to receive the above newsletter from........

© National Post