Marc-Olivier Fortin: Debate seals the CAQ’s fate, as it faces annihilation

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNP Comment Marc-Olivier Fortin: Debate seals the CAQ’s fate, as it faces annihilation It is inevitable the Parti Québécois will form next government, after strong performance from PSPP Author of the article: By Marc-Olivier Fortin Published Sep 24, 2026 Last updated 1 hour ago 4 minute read Join the conversation Leader of the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) Christine Frechette speaks during the third and final televised Quebec election debate in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on Sept. 23, 2026. Quebec voters will cast their vote on October 5. PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER KATSAROV /POOL/AFP via Getty Images Article content Quebec voters had one last opportunity Wednesday to hear the party leaders during the final televised debate. Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon (PSPP) rose to the occasion and stood out as a premier in waiting, more than ready to take the reins of power on Oct. 5. Article content A Léger poll published on Tuesday put the PQ ahead at 29 per cent, the Quebec Liberals at 23 per cent, the governing Coalition Avenir Québec at 20 per cent and the Conservative Party of Quebec at 17 per cent. But the most important finding is where support lies among francophone voters, with the PQ sitting at 37 per cent and the CAQ behind13 points at 24 per cent. This advantage among francophone voters puts the PQ within striking distance of a majority government. Article content RECOMMENDED VIDEOS Article content Article content CAQ Leader and Premier Christine Fréchette, who tried to play the Trump card early in the campaign and build her electoral narrative on the need to protect Quebec’s economy from the Americans, is witnessing her house of cards collapse around her. As the campaign progressed, she could not keep the narrative alive. Her momentum deflated, she desperately needed a strong performance during this final debate. Article content Channel Israel Columnist Jesse Kline keeps you up to date with what’s happening in Israel and the effects of antisemitism on life here in Canada. Friday mornings. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content Unfortunately for her, the CAQ’s record kept holding her back. While she tried to talk about new initiatives in health care, her opponents were quick to remind viewers that during…