With Quebec’s election days away, five leaders face off over the province’s future

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 24, 2026

Photo Courtesy: CBC News

CANADA – With Quebec voters set to cast their ballots in less than two weeks, five party leaders took the stage for the final debate of the provincial election campaign, putting competing visions for the province under the spotlight.

The debate brought together Christine Fréchette of the Coalition Avenir Québec, Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, Liberal Leader Charles Milliard, Québec solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal and Conservative Party of Quebec Leader Éric Duhaime.

Hosted by Radio-Canada, the debate focused on five major themes: Quebec’s future, the economy, taxes and public services, child care and health care. It was the third and final leaders’ debate of the campaign, and all three debates were held in French.

One of the central issues was the Parti Québécois’ plan for a referendum on Quebec independence. The PQ has said it would hold a referendum after U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office, while the CAQ, Liberals and Conservatives have said they would not hold a separation referendum.

The debate also turned to the province’s economy and health-care system, with the party leaders challenging one another over taxes, public services and the cost of living. The final encounter came as polling showed the PQ leading the campaign, while a significant portion of voters remained undecided or open to changing their choice.

But the debate was about more than party-to-party exchanges. It offered voters one final opportunity to hear the major leaders address some of the questions likely to shape the next government — from Quebec’s relationship with Canada to the economy and the future of public services.

Quebec voters head to the polls on October 5, bringing the campaign into its final stretch.