Another contender from the Quebec Liberal Party's 2025 leadership race has officially bowed out of the contest to succeed Pablo Rodriguez. Marc Bélanger, an international trade lawyer, announced he will not be a candidate, citing financial obligations from his previous campaign.
Financial Obligations Take Priority
In a social media post on Thursday, Bélanger stated his primary duty is to settle the debt from his first leadership run. His campaign staff reports an outstanding debt of approximately $30,000, which he must repay by raising funds from fellow Liberals under Quebec's electoral laws. He has a three-year window to clear the balance.
"My duty is to fully honour the financial obligations connected to the first race," Bélanger wrote. "It would be irresponsible to add a new campaign debt before settling the old one."
The State of the Leadership Field
Bélanger was one of five candidates in the June 2025 convention, where he was eliminated after the first round with 3.9% of the vote. His decision further shapes the emerging field for the new race, which officially launches on January 12.
Charles Milliard, who finished second to Rodriguez in 2025, has already announced his candidacy with a video message this week. Karl Blackburn, the third-place finisher, declared in December that he would not run again.
This leaves economist and agricultural producer Mario Roy as the remaining candidate from the original five. Roy has expressed a desire to run again but faces eligibility questions. He also carries a campaign debt from 2025, totalling $18,000, after earning less than one per cent of the vote. The party requires a new $30,000 entry fee, with half needed upfront from Liberal supporters.
A Decision of Reason, Not Heart
Bélanger described his choice as one made with regret, emphasizing he still holds strong views on Quebec's future. "This said, this is not a decision from the heart but one of reason," he stated. "My views are the same. Quebec needs leadership which sees far ahead."
He clarified that his withdrawal from the race does not mean a retreat from politics. "The fact that I am not a candidate does not signify that I am withdrawing from politics and will remain silent. Quite the contrary," Bélanger affirmed. "Politics is often an in-the-moment business. This time it was simply not good for me."
If a competitive race materializes, the party will select its new leader at a convention on March 14. The contest was triggered when Rodriguez stepped down in December following allegations of fundraising irregularities during his own leadership campaign.
