MONTREAL — As the provincial election campaign in Quebec reaches its final weekend before Monday's vote, the political parties are intensifying their efforts to win over undecided voters. The leaders of the five main parties made multiple appearances across the province on Saturday, focusing on key regions to bolster support and capture last-minute votes.
Christine Fréchette, leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), held a campaign event in Saint-Hubert, located south of Montreal. She encouraged voters to embrace what she termed the CAQ's "third way" approach, positioning it as an alternative to the traditional divide between federalism and sovereignty. Fréchette emphasized that for decades, Quebecers felt compelled to choose between these two political identities. Since taking power in 2018, the CAQ aimed to transcend this historical divide, but it has resurfaced in recent days, particularly with the Parti Québécois (PQ) gaining traction in the polls and promising a referendum on sovereignty in 2029.
Fréchette pointed out that many voters remain undecided and argued that those who wish to avoid returning to the federalist-sovereigntist debate should support the CAQ. "There are still two days, and for many Quebecers, those are two days for reflection," she stated.
Liberal leader Charles Milliard also addressed the contentious sovereignty issue during a stop in Lachute. He cautioned voters against being swayed by the PQ, warning of a potential "spiral" reminiscent of Brexit, which could have dire economic consequences. Milliard noted that the current geopolitical climate necessitates increased collaboration among middle powers, saying, "Faced with the world’s giants, there is strength in unity for our farmers, for our entrepreneurs." He criticized the PQ's sovereignty agenda as "archaic," given contemporary economic realities.
Despite polling behind the PQ, Milliard reassured his supporters in Trois-Rivières that "absolutely nothing is decided," highlighting that approximately three-quarters of eligible Quebecers had yet to cast their votes. "This is anything but over," he asserted.
PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon aimed to connect with undecided voters as well, urging them to grant his party a majority government. He claimed that doing so would provide a "real chance" for impactful governance, suggesting that a minority government would hinder the PQ's ability to fulfill its promises, potentially leading to another election within 12 to 18 months. "We’re electing a government on Monday, not an opposition," he emphasized.
In response to critiques from his rivals regarding the sovereignty referendum promise, St-Pierre Plamondon argued that they had "overused" the topic. Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime expressed optimism after a recent Léger poll indicated his party had gained two percentage points, reaching 20 percent support. Duhaime's initial goal had been to secure at least 12 seats in the National Assembly, but he now sees the possibility of being recognized as a parliamentary group if they achieve 20 percent of the vote.
Duhaime encouraged Quebecers to participate in the upcoming election, pointing out that several constituencies could be decided by a small margin. Throughout the campaign, the PQ has taken a proactive stance, with St-Pierre Plamondon visiting numerous regions, while other parties have concentrated their efforts on defending or acquiring seats in targeted areas.
According to Élections Québec, around 1.6 million Quebecers, or 25.59 percent of eligible voters, have already participated in advance voting. All five major parties — the PQ, Quebec Liberals, Quebec Conservatives, Quebec solidaire, and the CAQ — are projected to win seats in the forthcoming election.
