Quebec election officially called as parties begin 39-day campaign

Quebec voters are heading to the polls Oct. 5 as the province's 2026 provincial election campaign officially gets underway.

Premier Christine Fréchette triggered the election Thursday, dissolving the National Assembly and launching a 39-day campaign.

The election is the first for Fréchette as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec after she took over from former premier François Legault earlier this year.

The CAQ is seeking another mandate after eight years in power, but enters the campaign facing a difficult political landscape.

The sovereigntist Parti Québécois is leading in public opinion polls and has won four consecutive byelections, putting leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon in a strong position heading into the campaign.

The PQ is campaigning on its long-standing goal of Quebec independence, although St-Pierre Plamondon says the party would not hold another referendum on sovereignty while U.S. President Donald Trump remains in office.

The trade relationship with the United States is expected to be one of the defining issues of the campaign.

Fréchette identifies Trump and the economic uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs as a major challenge facing Quebec, saying the province needs a government capable of protecting its economy and workers.

Cost of living, health care, housing, education and Quebec's relationship with Canada are also expected to feature prominently during the campaign.

The Quebec Liberal Party, led by Charles Milliard, is looking to rebuild its support after years of political decline. Milliard launches the Liberal campaign in Quebec City and promises to focus on the economy, public services, housing and bringing Quebecers together.

Québec solidaire and the Conservative Party of Quebec are also campaigning, with both parties looking to gain support from voters dissatisfied with the larger parties.

At dissolution, the CAQ holds 79 seats in the National Assembly. The Quebec Liberals hold 18 seats, Québec solidaire has 11 and the Parti Québécois has seven. The Conservatives hold one seat, while nine members sit as independents.

The election will determine who governs Quebec for the next four years and whether the CAQ can retain power or whether voters hand the province to a different party.

Polling day is Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.