Montreal QC ☕ The daily chat
Good day, Montreal.
The Parti Québécois has won the election and will form a minority government. We look at what lies ahead, the new faces heading to the National Assembly, and what this means for the future. We also check out the closures coming on Highway 25, and remind you of a few good spots for a late meal.
Top Story
Parti Québécois forms minority government, CAQ wiped out
The Parti Québécois, led by Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, won Monday’s provincial election with 59 of 127 seats. The government will be a minority, five seats short of a majority. The Coalition Avenir Québec, which held 79 seats when the election was called, elected no members.
Voter turnout was 66.9%, up from 2022. However, the PQ took only 28% of the popular vote, a historic low for a party forming a government in Quebec. The previous record was also held by the PQ, with 32% in 2012.
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has promised to work with other parties. He reiterated his intention to hold a referendum on sovereignty during his first mandate, while specifying he would wait for Donald Trump to leave the White House. The PQ estimates such a vote would cost $130 million.
The premier-designate also outlined his priorities: abolishing Santé Québec, reducing temporary immigration, extending Bill 101 to CEGEPs, and creating 10,000 new subsidized daycare spots.
Around Town
Possible recounts in Saint-Henri–Sainte-Anne and Vachon
The Quebec Liberal Party narrowly won both ridings on Monday night. Challenges could emerge, and judicial recounts are possible.
13-year-old boy missing in Saint-Hyacinthe
The Sûreté du Québec is asking for the public’s help to find a 13-year-old boy last seen on the evening of October 1.
Côte Saint-Luc installs license plate readers
As part of a public safety pilot project, the City of Côte Saint-Luc has installed cameras that will read license plates of vehicles travelling in both directions under the Cavendish underpass. The system will record an image of the vehicle associated with each plate, along with the date and time of passage.
Noteworthy
Christine Fréchette resigns as CAQ leader
Less than 24 hours after her party’s historic defeat, Christine Fréchette announced her resignation. In her concession speech, she said she accepted full responsibility for the loss: “The defeat is mine, not yours. Hold your heads high.”
Éric Duhaime enters the National Assembly
The leader of the Conservative Party of Quebec won his bet in Bellechasse. It’s a first for the party since its revival. With 19 seats, the Conservatives will enter the National Assembly. Duhaime has promised to act as a “watchdog.”
Pablo Rodriguez becomes political analyst
The former leader of the Quebec Liberal Party will join Noovo Info on Tuesday morning to comment on the election results. He will also appear on CTV News Montreal and CJAD 800.
Canada loses influence at IIHF
By all accounts, Canada suffered a historic sanction in the elections for the council of the International Ice Hockey Federation.
Practical Corner
Highway 25 closures this weekend
The Ministry of Transport announces major closures on Highway 25, including the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine tunnel, from Friday, October 9 to Tuesday, October 13. Traffic to the South Shore will be diverted via the Champlain Bridge, then the Jacques-Cartier Bridge starting Sunday evening. Significant congestion is expected. The ministry recommends using public transit and checking Québec 511 before heading out.
Fall viruses are back
Cold, flu, COVID-19, RSV, and stomach flu: symptoms are often similar. The site Best Kept MTL reminds you when to see a doctor or call 811, and offers simple natural remedies to ease discomfort.
Coup de Coeur
Monday’s election redrew the political map, but it also confirmed one thing: voters turned out in large numbers, with turnout up. In a race where close results led to possible recounts, it’s a reminder that every vote counts, and that democracy, even imperfect, remains a collective affair.
To Wrap Up
We wish you a full day, between office talk about the results and preparations for the long weekend. And if you’re driving, plan your trips: construction sites, they don’t take a holiday. ☕