On a recent episode of the popular Quebec talk show Tout le monde en parle, Quebec Premier François Legault announced that his government plans to introduce new legislation aimed at expediting environmental approvals. This legislation, referred to internally as “Q-5,” is modeled after the federal major projects law, specifically Bill C-5, which seeks to fast-track projects considered to be in the national interest.
Legault expressed concerns over the lengthy process currently associated with obtaining environmental permits, stating, “Currently, it takes years to get environmental permits. We can’t afford that.” He emphasized the intention behind the planned legislation is to accelerate the initiation of significant projects in the province to generate new jobs, while still maintaining essential environmental protections.
Despite his commitments to expediting approvals, Legault has also indicated a possible reconsideration of certain environmental policies. In a separate interview with Radio-Canada earlier this month, he mentioned that Quebec “cannot be the only state in North America making an effort” to combat climate change, hinting at a more relaxed approach to some existing measures.
The Coalition Avenir Québec, Legault's ruling party, has been facing dire poll numbers, with predictions suggesting a potential loss of all 83 seats in the next election scheduled for October 2026. According to Qc125.com, a poll aggregator, the party is in jeopardy of being entirely wiped out if elections were held immediately. This situation is compounded by political turbulence within his ranks, as evidenced by the recent resignation of former cabinet minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina, who cited a loss of faith in Legault as her reason for leaving the caucus.
In response to these challenges, Legault insisted on Sunday that he retains the support of “the vast majority” of his caucus members, framing Blanchette Vézina’s departure as a reaction to her disappointment over being removed from cabinet rather than a sign of widespread dissent.
Furthermore, Legault reaffirmed his commitment to strengthen secularism within Quebec. Recently, Secularism Minister Jean-François Roberge announced that he would introduce a bill prohibiting public prayers. Legault remarked, “The majority of Quebecers do not like to see people on their knees in our streets,” referencing specific instances of Muslim prayers that occurred during pro-Palestinian demonstrations outside the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, which have stirred community tensions.
Commenting on the wider geopolitical context, Legault stated, “What’s happening in Gaza is unacceptable. But is this our fight?” This remark reflects his administration’s stance on maintaining a clear boundary in Quebec's involvement in international issues.
The Quebec National Assembly was initially scheduled to reconvene on September 16, 2025; however, Premier Legault opted to prorogue the legislature until September 30 to facilitate his cabinet reshuffle. The political climate remains tense as the Quebec government navigates both internal and external challenges while trying to fulfill its mandate.
