CAQ leadership candidate Christine Frechette gives remarks at the CAQ leadership convention in Drummondville, Que., on Sunday, April 12, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

By The Canadian Press

Fréchette to be Quebec’s next premier after winning CAQ leadership

Apr 12, 2026 | 4:00 AM

DRUMMONDVILLE — Coalition Avenir Québec members have named Christine Fréchette as the new party leader.

She will be sworn in as Quebec premier.

“I am so happy and proud that you put your trust in me,” she told party faithful at the CAQ convention.

“Today we’re moving on to a new step. You voted for a new kind of leadership, a new generation.”

Fréchette, a former PQ staffer, focused her leadership campaign on economic issues, including on reopening the debate around shale gas and hydraulic fracturing.

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During her victory speech, she promised to be a sound leader with a more streamlined government.

Fréchette pointed to global conflicts and commercial tensions, saying she understands the strain on Quebec families.

“You deserve a government that will make your life easier,” she said.

Some 15,800 members voted in the leadership race.

Fréchette and Bernard Drainvile were the only two to run after outgoing Quebec Premier François Legault stepped down in January.

Drainville, a former Parti Québécois minister, leaned on conservative ideas and positioned himself as the candidate best suited to defend Quebec’s identity and to adopt a stricter immigration policy.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 12, 2026.

Erika Morris, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Fréchette to be Quebec’s next premier after winning CAQ leadership

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