Quebec's political landscape continues to shift as International Relations Minister Christopher Skeete has officially removed himself from the contest to become the next leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ). This decision comes just days after Premier François Legault announced his resignation, setting off a scramble within the governing party.
Minister Skeete Closes the Door on Leadership Bid
After initially leaving his options open following Legault's stunning announcement on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Skeete made his final decision public on Saturday, January 17, 2026. In a social media post, the minister for the Laval riding of Sainte-Rose stated, "After careful consideration, I have decided to not be a candidate for the leadership of the Coalition Avenir Québec."
Skeete, who also holds the portfolios for relations with English-speaking Quebecers, the fight against racism, and the Laval region, emphasized his commitment to his current duties. "I will continue to work actively on the promotion of Quebec’s interests on the international scene," he wrote, noting the importance of his role in an uncertain global context.
Other Potential Candidates Begin to Emerge
With Skeete out, attention turns to other cabinet ministers who are testing the waters for a potential run. Economic and Energy Minister Christine Fréchette was the first to signal serious interest, telling reporters she was in a period of reflection. Her commitment is so serious that she cancelled her planned trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to be present for the launch of the leadership race. Officials confirmed Skeete will replace her on that international trip.
However, Fréchette's candidacy faces an immediate hurdle. A recent advisory from Quebec’s ethics commissioner, Ariane Mignolet, highlighted a risk of conflict of interest if a sitting minister campaigns for party leadership. This likely means Fréchette, and any other minister who runs, will have to step down from their cabinet post.
This rule also appears to be influencing Finance Minister Eric Girard, who is now leaning against a run because he would be unable to remain as minister and present the government’s upcoming budget this spring.
Jolin-Barrette Gains Early Support
Another prominent name on the list of potential successors is Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette. While he has been discreet about his intentions, he has begun to receive public endorsements from within the CAQ caucus. Transport Minister Jonatan Julien declared his support for Jolin-Barrette on Saturday, writing on Facebook, "If he decides to run, he will have my support." This follows similar backing from MNAs Mario Asselin and Shirley Dorismond earlier in the week.
Jolin-Barrette acknowledged the support in a social media message on Friday, thanking those who see him as a future leader and praising the party's achievements under Legault. He stressed that "ten months remain in our mandate and Quebecers want a government which works without stop."
Fréchette, meanwhile, has garnered support from Ministers Gilles Bélanger (Cybersecurity and Digital) and Mathieu Lacombe (Culture and Communications).
A Crowded Field and Internal Challenges Await
The party is still waiting for decisions from several other high-profile ministers, including Education Minister Sonia LeBel, Municipal Affairs Minister Geneviève Guilbault, and Environment Minister Bernard Drainville. Guilbault's potential candidacy may be complicated by a recent pre-advisory note of poor conduct from the Gallant commission investigating the SAAQclic IT fiasco.
Businessman Olivier Primeau, considered an outsider, ruled out a run on Friday. The CAQ is expected to finalize the rules for the leadership race sometime the week of January 19, 2026. The contest will occur concurrently with the Quebec Liberal Party's own search for a new leader.
Whoever emerges victorious will face the significant challenge of unifying a party divided between federalist and nationalist wings, and those focused on identity issues versus economic concerns. The CAQ's foundational "third way"—being neither federalist nor sovereignist—was labeled a "total failure" by Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon on Friday, highlighting the political headwinds the next leader will confront.
