The political landscape in Quebec was upended this week by the sudden resignation of Premier François Legault. While his departure was not entirely unexpected, the timing on Wednesday, January 17, 2026, sent shock waves across the province, creating profound uncertainty just months before a scheduled provincial election in October.
A Legacy of Grievance and Disconnection
On the latest episode of The Corner Booth podcast, recorded at Snowdon Deli, former Quebec Liberal cabinet minister David Heurtel joined hosts Bill Brownstein and Aaron Rand to dissect the end of the Legault era. Heurtel offered a scathing assessment of the outgoing premier's tenure.
"We've never seen such an unpopular premier," Heurtel stated bluntly. He argued that Legault's political success was built on a foundation of blame, targeting previous governments, the federal system, English-speaking Quebecers, and immigrants. "He was completely disconnected... a classic grievance politician," Heurtel said.
When asked about Legault's legacy after eight years in power, the former minister was unequivocal: "In terms of achievements, I don't think history will look kindly on these last eight years."
Political Vacuum and a Party's Uncertain Future
Legault's resignation leaves the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), a party he famously founded "in his living room," in a precarious position. With the founder gone, the immediate question is whether the party has a viable future without its central figure.
The political domino effect is significant. The Parti Québécois, under leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, now sees a clearer path to a potential return to power. Meanwhile, the Quebec Liberal Party is grappling with its own internal challenges, including a recent scandal, and must determine if new leadership can reconnect with voters.
What Comes Next for Quebec?
The coming months will be defined by a rapid leadership contest within the CAQ and intense political maneuvering from all parties. Heurtel humorously inserted himself into the speculation, joking, "I'll do a two-fer... I'm going to run for the CAQ leadership and the Liberal leadership."
As Quebecers look ahead to the October election, the sudden power shift has made the political forecast more volatile than ever. The analysis from The Corner Booth underscores that Legault's departure is not just the end of a premiership but potentially a pivotal moment that could redefine Quebec's political alignment for years to come.
The full discussion with David Heurtel is available on The Gazette's YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
