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Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) leadership candidates Christine Frechette and Bernard Drainville shake hands prior to taking part in a leadership debate in Laval, Que., Saturday, March 28, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Voting begins in Coalition Avenir Québec leadership race to replace Premier Legault

Apr 7, 2026 | 9:04 AM

QUÉBEC — Voting is open for members of the Coalition Avenir Québec to choose a new leader who will replace Premier François Legault.

Christine Fréchette, a former economy minister, and Bernard Drainville, an ex-environment minister, are the only candidates after Legault announced in January he would step down.

Approximately 20,500 eligible members have until Sunday at 3 p.m. to choose a leader.

The winner will become both party leader and premier with only months to go until the October provincial election.