Legault Criticizes Opposition Parties, Vows to Govern Quebec Effectively

In a spirited address to supporters in Gatineau on September 28, 2025, François Legault, leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), asserted that neither the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) nor the Parti Québécois (PQ) possesses a capable team to govern the province. Legault’s comments came during a convention where he expressed confidence in his party’s ability to address the pressing challenges facing Quebec.

Drawing a parallel to the fictional character Rocky Balboa, Legault stated, “Do you see a government team that is ready in the PLQ or the PQ? Do you see anyone in the PLQ or the PQ who would be ready to manage health care, the economy, a pandemic?” He accused Pablo Rodriguez, leader of the PLQ, of lacking commitment to secularism, while criticizing Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, leader of the PQ, for his fixation on sovereignty referendums. Legault emphasized that only the CAQ is equipped to handle the current economic crisis and hinted at potential tax relief for Quebecers.

“I have asked our Finance Minister to find a way, in the coming months, to put money back into the wallets of those who are struggling,” he declared, receiving applause from the crowd. Legault cautioned that traditional parties were merely waiting for an opportunity to regain power and resume taxing the public. “The only bulwark protecting Quebecers’ purchasing power is the CAQ!” he stated emphatically.

Internal Party Dynamics and Election Aspirations

The CAQ convention also revealed internal dissent, with some members questioning Legault’s leadership for the first time. During an open mic session, member Alain Charlebois from the Laporte riding remarked, “He’s had his day. He’s starting to show his age.” This unprecedented criticism reflects growing concerns about the party’s direction as polling data from Qc125 suggests a decline in support for the CAQ.

Legault made a striking entrance, accompanied by the theme song from the film Rocky, “Eye of the Tiger.” He pledged to fight for a third consecutive term in the upcoming 2026 election. Notably, he opted not to engage with journalists after the convention, a departure from his usual practice.

Focus on Mental Health Legislation

On the same day, Lionel Carmant, the province’s Social Services Minister, announced plans to introduce significant mental health legislation this fall. This new bill aims to overhaul Bill P-38, the Act respecting the protection of persons whose mental state presents a danger to themselves or to others, which has not been updated in over 25 years.

The CAQ adopted a resolution advocating for a review of this legislation, emphasizing the need for police officers to have more resources to ensure that individuals with mental health challenges receive necessary care. The resolution highlighted the limitations of the current law, which complicates the provision of care for individuals in crisis who do not consent to treatment.

“It is in the best interest of a patient in crisis to be treated, rather than to continue to pose a risk,” the committee stated. The CAQ criticized the “revolving door syndrome,” where patients are admitted to facilities and discharged without adequate follow-up care, leading them to return in crisis situations.

Carmant acknowledged the sensitive nature of human rights involved in mental health interventions, assuring that the government aims to approach the issue with care.

This report by The Canadian Press details the current political landscape in Quebec, highlighting the challenges and commitments facing the CAQ under Legault’s leadership.