With the clock ticking toward a pivotal provincial election, a prominent voice within the Quebec Liberal Party (QLP) is making a forceful case against holding another protracted leadership contest. André Pratte, a former chair of the party's policy committee, contends that Charles Milliard has already demonstrated he is the right candidate and should be confirmed as leader without a divisive race.
A Race Against Time
The QLP finds itself in a state of upheaval following the sudden resignation of interim leader Pablo Rodriguez in December. With the party's executive committee scrambling to establish a process during the holidays, the timeline is exceptionally tight. The official leadership race is set to begin on January 12, with candidates having until February 13 to enter. A vote, if necessary, would be held in March, with a winner announced March 14.
Pratte emphasizes the monumental task facing the Liberals. Rodriguez's departure triggered an exodus of key staff he had brought in to organize the party, recruit candidates, and draft a platform for the upcoming October 5 general election. This has left the party in significant disarray, making a swift and stable transition paramount.
Milliard's Proven Track Record
Charles Milliard, the former head of the Quebec federation of boards of trade (FCCQ), has confirmed he will seek the leadership again. Pratte argues that Liberals already have ample evidence of his capabilities from the contest just six months ago, which lasted nine months.
"He ran the best campaign and performed the best in the six debates organized by the party," Pratte writes, noting Milliard also presented an original platform with fresh ideas and proved to be a competent communicator in both French and English. Although less known to the general public, Milliard finished a close second to Rodriguez in that race.
The Case For and Against a Contest
While leadership races traditionally test candidates and generate media attention, Pratte believes those benefits are outweighed by the current circumstances. The QLP, he argues, cannot afford to lose another month to internal competition when it needs to unite and prepare for an election that will determine Quebec's political direction.
The stakes are particularly high given the Parti Québécois's commitment to hold a sovereignty referendum. Pratte suggests Quebecers' focus is on pressing issues like the cost of living, housing, and public services, not constitutional battles, and the Liberals must be ready to address those concerns.
Other potential candidates appear unlikely to mount a serious challenge. Former Desjardins CEO Guy Cormier is rumoured to have ruled out a run. Former Via Rail CEO Yves Desjardins-Siciliano has expressed openness but is unknown to most QLP members and the public. Pratte suggests such a candidacy could hurt more than help. Previous also-ran candidates Marc Bélanger and Mario Roy have hinted at running again, but Pratte dismisses these as "frivolous candidacies" the party should discourage.
André Pratte's conclusion is unequivocal: Charles Milliard will make a very good leader, and there is no need for a pro forma leadership race. With time short and the stakes immense, he advocates for the QLP to unite behind a proven contender and focus on the real battle ahead.
