Charles Milliard Faces Daunting Task of Uniting Fractured Quebec Liberal Party
Charles Milliard stands as the last remaining candidate in the race to lead the Quebec Liberal Party, a political organization currently grappling with internal divisions and the recent resignation of former leader Pablo Rodriguez. In an exclusive interview on The Corner Booth podcast from Montreal's Snowdon Deli, Milliard outlined his ambitious plan to heal the party's fractures and rebuild public trust ahead of October's crucial provincial election.
The Uncontested Path to Leadership
With Mario Roy, the only other known candidate, being prohibited from running, Milliard's path to leadership appears clear. This development comes less than a year after Milliard finished as runner-up to Rodriguez in the previous leadership contest. At that time, Milliard had returned to teaching at Bishop's University when unexpected controversy within the party thrust this political newcomer back into the leadership conversation.
"If I'm chosen leader, I'm going to have eight months to convince Quebecers to trust us again and to believe in our proposition for a better Quebec inside Canada," Milliard declared during his conversation with hosts Aaron Rand and Bill Brownstein. "That being said, I wish I had won last June."
Rebuilding From Within
Milliard's immediate priority upon assuming leadership will be unifying his party's fractured factions. He emphasized his commitment to teamwork, noting that he actively campaigned for Rodriguez after losing the initial leadership race, demonstrating his willingness to put party interests above personal ambition.
The aspiring leader revealed recent discussions with Marwah Rizqy, the MNA suspended from caucus by Rodriguez, though he stopped short of confirming her return to the party fold. "This is the first time I'm saying it in an interview, but I met Marwah Rizqy very recently," Milliard acknowledged. "I have been saying for the past few weeks that we need to work as a team again at the Liberal party of Quebec. We have options and I'm going to decide that with the team."
Facing October's Electoral Challenge
Once internal unity is established, Milliard faces the formidable challenge of presenting the Liberals as a credible alternative to the Parti Québécois, currently led by Paul St-Pierre Plamondon and positioned as front-runners for the October election. Milliard aims to shift political discourse beyond the sovereignty debate that often dominates Quebec politics.
"I'm not coming into politics just to prevent a referendum," Milliard asserted. "I'm coming to improve Quebec." His vision focuses on substantive policy discussions rather than constitutional debates, seeking to present Quebecers with a compelling alternative vision for the province's future within Canada.
The Uphill Battle Ahead
The Quebec Liberal Party faces significant challenges as it prepares for the upcoming provincial election. Milliard's eight-month timeline to rebuild trust and present a unified front represents an ambitious undertaking for any political leader, particularly one who until recently was teaching at a university rather than leading a major political party.
Milliard's approach emphasizes collaboration and team-building, suggesting a departure from the internal conflicts that have recently plagued the party. His willingness to engage with suspended caucus members while maintaining that final decisions will be made collectively indicates a leadership style focused on reconciliation rather than confrontation.
As the October election approaches, all eyes will be on Milliard's ability to transform the Quebec Liberal Party from its current fractured state into a cohesive political force capable of challenging the Parti Québécois. His success or failure will not only determine the party's electoral fortunes but could significantly influence Quebec's political landscape for years to come.
