CAQ Leadership: Fréchette holds first rally and presents her vision for Quebec
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BOUCHERVILLE – Christine Fréchette, who is running to lead Quebec’s governing Coalition Avenir Québec party, held her first major rally Saturday, hours before the CAQ leadership candidate registration was scheduled to close.
Fréchette, who is running to replace François Legault, presented herself as a pragmatic, unifying candidate, promising to refund the welcome tax for first-time homebuyers, support small and medium enterprises, and apply Quebec-based criteria in public contracts.
The rally was held in Boucherville, a suburb east of Montreal.
Fréchette criticized what she called the “old parties” for divisions and emphasized she wants to be judged on results.
Her campaign includes a revised plan for Quebec City’s controversial “third link” bridge, proposing an eastern route with tolls and a private-sector partnership.
Thirteen current ministers back her leadership bid, while her main rival in the race, Bernard Drainville, also has the backing of 13 ministers.
The next leader of the CAQ, who will also become premier of Quebec, will be announced on April 12.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 21, 2026.