Skip to content

Parti Quebecois leadership hopefuls jockey for position as caucus meets

All signs are pointing to a crowded race for the Parti Quebecois leadership.

QUEBEC — All signs are pointing to a crowded race for the Parti Quebecois leadership.

While there are no declared candidates as yet, several elected members are openly mulling possible runs, including former cabinet ministers Jean-Francois Lisee and Bernard Drainville.

But one of the most intriguing candidates, media tycoon Pierre Karl Peladeau, is remaining discreet about whether he plans to run.

The owner of media giant Quebecor and rookie provincial politician says it’s premature to say he’ll be a candidate.

The new leader would replace Pauline Marois, who announced her resignation on the night of the April 7 election when the party lost to the Liberals.

The party’s national executive are expected to iron out rules for the leadership race on Oct. 4 in Sherbrooke.

Interim party leader Stephane Bedard says that the fact a large number of candidates are interested “demonstrates the power of the Parti Quebecois” and the party will come out of the race stronger.