The Quebec Liberal Party (QLP) is embarking on a new leadership contest, its second in under a year, but this time under a significantly tightened ethical framework. The move comes directly in response to allegations that marred the successful campaign of former leader Pablo Rodriguez, who resigned in December 2025.
New Guardrails for a Critical Contest
The race to find a permanent successor will officially begin on January 12. Party members will cast their votes using a ranked ballot system between March 9 and 14. In a clear effort to restore trust, the party's newly adopted rules introduce several key changes designed to prevent past controversies.
Most notably, the QLP has created the position of Compliance and Ethics Officer, appointing lawyer Julien Morissette to the role. His mandate is to ensure all campaigns adhere to Quebec's electoral laws. Morissette will meet with campaign financial agents and has the authority to observe fundraising events.
Furthermore, cash donations are now completely prohibited, a shift from previous rules that allowed small amounts. All fundraisers must explicitly communicate the rules to donors, who must declare that their contributions come from personal funds without expectation of reimbursement.
Addressing the Shadows of the Previous Race
These stringent measures are a direct consequence of the scandal that led to Pablo Rodriguez's departure. While never personally accused, Rodriguez stepped down stating he had become a "distraction" after his leadership win was clouded by ethics allegations.
A report by Le Journal de Montréal alleged that some party members received $100 each to vote for Rodriguez. Separate reports, including from La Presse and Radio-Canada, alleged that businessman Emanuel Cabral, a wine importer, reimbursed donors at a fundraiser for Rodriguez. Rodriguez's campaign organizers stated they confronted the individual, who admitted to the reimbursements.
These allegations prompted investigations by the party itself, the National Assembly’s ethics commissioner, and Quebec's anti-corruption police unit, UPAC. Although Quebec's electoral code did not explicitly forbid vote-buying in leadership races at the time, a bill passed in December 2025, often called the "brownie bill," now explicitly prohibits it.
The Road to Leadership: Rules and Requirements
Prospective candidates face a structured and demanding process to enter the race. They must gather 750 signatures from at least 70 ridings across 12 different regions of Quebec. An entry fee of $30,000 is required, and campaign spending is capped at $120,000. Individual donations cannot exceed $500.
The party will hold debates between February 14 and March 8. The voting system is not a simple one-member-one-vote model. Instead, the QLP uses a points system to guarantee equal representation for each of the province's 125 ridings. Notably, one-third of the points in each riding are reserved for members under the age of 26.
With these new rules, the Quebec Liberal Party aims to turn the page on a turbulent chapter and conduct a leadership race that focuses on ideas and renewal, rather than allegations of ethical misconduct.
