Quebec Premier Announces Chicoutimi Byelection for Late February
Premier François Legault has officially called a provincial byelection for the Chicoutimi riding, with voting scheduled to take place on February 23, 2026. The announcement was made on Tuesday, setting the stage for a crucial contest to fill the seat left vacant by former Coalition Avenir Québec minister Andrée Laforest.
Background of the Vacant Seat
Andrée Laforest resigned as an MNA and minister of municipal affairs in September 2025 to run for mayor of Saguenay in the November municipal election. In a closely contested race, she lost to Luc Boivin by a narrow margin of only 228 votes. Laforest had previously secured the Saguenay-area riding with ease in the 2022 general election, capturing 62 per cent of the vote.
Political Landscape and Polling Trends
Despite Laforest's past success, the political dynamics have shifted significantly. The CAQ's support in opinion polls has plummeted from 41 per cent overall in 2022 to just 11 per cent in the latest surveys. According to polling aggregator QC125, the Chicoutimi riding is now projected as "solid PQ" if a vote were held today, indicating a strong advantage for the Parti Québécois.
The Parti Québécois has demonstrated momentum in recent byelections, winning the last three held since 2023, all of which replaced CAQ MNAs who resigned. Historically, the Chicoutimi riding was a stronghold for the PQ from 1973 until 2018, including a 17-year tenure with Stéphane Bédard as its MNA.
Candidates and Election Details
All major parties except the Liberals have announced their candidates for the byelection:
- Parti Québécois: Marie-Karlynn Laflamme, a university administrator.
- Coalition Avenir Québec: Francis Tremblay, a health-care worker and university student.
- Québec solidaire: Jeanne Palardy, a social worker.
- Conservative Party: Catherine Morissette, former mayor of St-David-de-Falardeau.
Élections Québec has outlined the key dates for the byelection. Nominations will be open from January 22 to February 7, with advance polling scheduled for February 15 and 16. The byelection is estimated to cost approximately $800,000, a standard expense for such contests.
Short-Term Implications and Future Elections
Whoever wins the Chicoutimi byelection will serve a relatively brief term in office. A general election is already scheduled for October 2026, though it could be called earlier if political conditions change in favor of the CAQ. Under Quebec's Election Act, the government is required to call a byelection within six months of a seat becoming vacant, ensuring timely representation for constituents.
This byelection serves as a critical test for the CAQ's declining popularity and the PQ's resurgence in a historically significant riding. The outcome may offer insights into voter sentiment ahead of the upcoming general election, shaping the political landscape in Quebec.
