Quebec Liberal Leader Pablo Rodriguez is confronting mounting internal pressure as a petition demanding his resignation circulates among party members, deepening the ongoing crisis within the official opposition.
Petition Emerges Amid Caucus Turmoil
The Journal de Montréal reported on Friday, December 5, 2025, that an email petition with the subject line "Intégrité PLQ" is being passed among Liberal ranks. The message, whose author remains unknown, explicitly calls for Rodriguez to step down and asks members to gather signatures.
This development follows Rodriguez's decision to exclude a second Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from the Liberal caucus. On Thursday, he expelled Chomedey MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier after the National Assembly's ethics commissioner announced an investigation into spending in her riding office.
Lakhoyan Olivier had supported Rodriguez during the party's leadership race last spring, making her expulsion a significant blow.
Leadership and Caucus Respond to Pressure
When questioned by reporters outside a Friday morning caucus meeting, Rodriguez avoided direct comment on the petition. He focused instead on his decision regarding Lakhoyan Olivier.
"I was informed of an investigation by the ethics commissioner about the use of Madame Lakhoyan Olivier’s riding office," Rodriguez stated. "I decided to exclude her from the caucus for the duration of the investigation and I expect all the light to be shed on this."
Emerging from the meeting, several Liberal MNAs publicly rallied around their leader. Party whip Marc Tanguay dismissed the petition as "noise," claiming it did not reflect the support he witnesses for Rodriguez on the ground.
"My members and those who are outside my riding of LaFontaine that I meet are members who stand behind the leader as does the caucus," Tanguay asserted, though he conceded the party is navigating "difficult times."
Growing Frustration and Calls for Unity
Other caucus members echoed support while expressing frustration with the persistent negative media coverage. Nelligan MNA Monsef Derraji stated unequivocally, "I did not see the petition, but I can say the caucus is solidly behind Mr. Rodriguez. This is clear, clear, clear."
Derraji also voiced weariness, saying, "I am fed up with everything that’s happening... All that’s coming out now is impeding us from shining in our work."
Notre-Dame-de-Grâce MNA Desirée McGraw added her voice, stating, "I am 100 per cent behind Pablo Rodriguez whom I have known for 20 years. All the caucus is behind him." She noted that a recent conference call with 70 riding association presidents had gone "very, very well."
The circulating petition is believed to be linked to disgruntled members who had previously pushed for a special general council meeting in January, where Rodriguez could potentially face a confidence vote.
