Parti Québécois Triumphs in Chicoutimi Byelection Amid CAQ Decline
Voters in the Chicoutimi riding have decisively returned to their traditional political allegiance, delivering a significant victory to the Parti Québécois in Monday's byelection. This marks the fourth consecutive byelection win for the PQ since 2023, signaling a notable shift in Quebec's political landscape.
Historic Shift in Voter Sentiment
The Chicoutimi riding, which had supported the Coalition Avenir Québec in both the 2018 and 2022 general elections, dramatically reversed course despite the governing party's efforts to rebrand under new leadership following Premier François Legault's departure. This represents a substantial political realignment in a region that had previously been solid CAQ territory.
Candidates and Results
The byelection featured candidates from multiple parties:
- Marie-Karlynn Laflamme (Parti Québécois)
- Francis Tremblay (Coalition Avenir Québec)
- Tricia Murray (Quebec Liberal Party)
- Jeanne Palardy (Québec solidaire)
- Catherine Morissette (Conservative Party of Quebec)
- Olivier Dion (Climat Québec)
With 27 of 142 ballot boxes counted by approximately 8:40 p.m., the outcome became clear as the CAQ conceded defeat. Preliminary results showed PQ candidate Marie-Karlynn Laflamme securing just over 45 percent of the vote, a remarkable increase from the party's 14.21 percent showing in the 2022 general election.
Dramatic CAQ Decline
The Coalition Avenir Québec experienced a stunning collapse in support, plummeting from 62.28 percent in the 2022 election to approximately 13.36 percent for candidate Francis Tremblay. This dramatic drop represents one of the most significant vote share declines in recent Quebec political history and raises serious questions about the party's future prospects in the region.
Expanding PQ Presence
This victory adds a seventh member to the Parti Québécois caucus in the National Assembly, continuing the party's recent byelection success streak that includes wins in:
- Jean-Talon (2023)
- Terrebonne (March 2025)
- Arthabaska (August 2025)
The byelection was called to replace former CAQ MNA Andrée Laforest, whose departure created the vacancy that has now been filled by the PQ. Political analysts had been predicting this outcome for weeks, noting the shifting political winds in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.
This result underscores the volatile nature of Quebec politics and suggests potential challenges for the governing CAQ as it prepares for future electoral contests. The dramatic reversal in Chicoutimi may indicate broader dissatisfaction with the current administration and could influence political strategies across the province in the coming months.
