Quebec election enters final stretch as parties battle over spending, housing and alliances

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 20, 2026

Photo Courtesy: The Canadian Press

CANADA – Quebec’s election campaign has entered its final two weeks, with party leaders stepping up their efforts to win support ahead of the October 5 vote.

The campaign is taking place amid a closely divided field. A recent Radio-Canada, Segma Recherche poll put the Parti Québécois at 29 percent, followed by the Coalition Avenir Québec at 22 percent, the Liberals at 19 percent and the Conservatives at 18 percent, with Québec solidaire at 12 percent.

The possibility of a minority government has become a major focus of the final stretch, although party leaders continue to campaign for enough seats to govern on their own. Some leaders have also been asked about possible cooperation if no party wins a majority.

Economic policy has emerged as another key battleground. The Conservatives are campaigning on major reductions in government spending, while the CAQ and Liberals have questioned the potential impact of those cuts on public services.

The PQ and Conservative parties have also faced questions from their rivals over similarities in some of their policies. PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has rejected claims of a formal alliance, saying parties could instead work together on individual issues if necessary.

Housing, infrastructure and the economy remain among the other major issues as the five main parties make their final campaign pitches. Quebecers are scheduled to vote on October 5, with advance voting set for September 27 and 28.