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Home » Canadian Politics » Legault’s Identity Focus Didn’t Save His Leadership
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Canadian Politics

Legault’s Identity Focus Didn’t Save His Leadership

January 15, 20267 Mins Read
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Legault’s Identity Focus Didn’t Save His Leadership
Premier François Legault announced his resignation Wednesday in Quebec City. The Premier had been in power since 2018, but faced steep competition ahead of fall elections in the province, as his Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) party fell in the polls while the Parti Québécois under Paul St-Pierre Plamondon rose to prominence. (Sylvain Roy Roussel/CBC/Radio-Canada)
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Over the last seven years, when outgoing premier François Legault’s government introduced a controversial bill, he frequently defended it by claiming it reflected the views of most Quebecers.

In a period marked by economic uncertainty, Legault pushed through several significant bills tied to identity politics – some of which led to protests and legal challenges.

On Wednesday, Legault used his familiar argument – the will of Quebecers – to explain why he’s stepping down as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), a party he helped start in 2011.

“I can see that, right now, a lot of Quebecers want change first and foremost, and among other things, a change in premier,” Legault said at a news conference.

“I truly hope the next election focuses on the major challenges facing Quebec, rather than a simple desire for change.”

The latest Pallas Data poll, conducted with over 1,100 Quebecers between Jan. 9 and 10, showed the premier and his party with just 10 percent in voter intentions.

However, many Quebecers may feel disappointed with Legault due to his focus on identity issues rather than other urgent matters.

Nearing the end of its second term, the CAQ – which initially presented itself as a “pragmatic” party and a solid option for managing the province’s economy – appears to have fallen short on key concerns for voters: their finances, education systems, and healthcare services.

Legault’s Stance on National Identity

Throughout its two terms in office, his government enacted laws that revisited national identity questions – similar issues central to the sovereignty referendums in 1980 and 1995 where a slight but decisive majority voted “no.”

Whenever Premier Legault faced questions about his backing for sovereignty – having been part of Parti Québécois previously – he’d respond by saying he is a nationalist.

In his early days as premier, health care and education became rallying points for the CAQ.

Yet in trying to strengthen what he called the Quebec nation’s interests, he leaves behind several laws that have negatively affected cultural and linguistic minorities according to Stephen Brown, CEO of the National Council of Canadian Muslims.

WATCH | Quebecers react to François Legault’s resignation :

Here’s what Quebecers think about François Legault’s resignation

In his resignation speech on Wednesday, Premier François Legault noted that Quebecers are seeking new leadership. CBC talked to individuals in Greater Montreal and in Legault’s riding of L’Assomption about their thoughts regarding this announcement.

“He’s going to be remembered as a premier who chose to divide Quebecers around false debates rather than address real concerns,” Brown stated while referencing Bill 96 – which created confusion around minority language rights within both health services and schools along with secularism legislation that disproportionately affects Muslim women.

The Supreme Court of Canada is set to hear challenges against this secularism law known as Bill 21 on March 23.

This past November saw the introduction of Bill 9 by Legault’s government which prohibits prayer spaces in public institutions along with group prayers without municipal approval in areas like parks. It also broadens requirements for an uncovered face at all times within public educational settings.

“People can’t afford housing. People can’t get a doctor; there aren’t teachers for our kids,” Brown added.

“If we think that we’re going to be able to solve those problems by dividing people against each other; I mean I’m sorry; it’s just false.”

Legault had also consistently rejected claims regarding systemic racism existing within Quebec institutions despite recommendations from coroner reports urging recognition following Joyce Echaquan’s tragic death.

Catching Criticism from Teachers and Doctors

The latest data from government sources indicates that as of Nov. 10, 2025, there is an urgent need for 898 teachers along with support staff numbering at least 1,135 professionals like psychoeducators or speech-language pathologists across Quebec.

Mélanie Hubert- president of Fédération autonome de l’enseignement (FAE)- remarked how despite friendly comments from Legault (who mentioned on Wednesday that teachers are “the most important people after parents”), actions taken by his government were becoming increasingly coercive towards educators.

The relationship between teachers and lawmakers became tense during negotiations over their collective agreement throughout 2023 when unions organized an unlimited general strike causing roughly800 schools closures lasting over four weeks overall!

“They didn’t show any trust or acknowledgment toward us or our work-quite contrary,” Hubert noted.

“As far as we’re concerned what’s left within education seems broken pieces needing repair over coming months-and perhaps even years ahead.”

A similar atmosphere exists among family physicians alongside medical specialists expressing mistrust towards governmental efforts such as changes proposed under Bill Two concerning doctor remuneration adjustments.

Dissatisfaction arose following promises made back during campaign trails leading up into2018 pledging every single individual living here would receive access onto family doctors-yet none delivered upon!

Your thoughts on Economic Future?

Diving further into details revealed during resignations announcements held recently before media outlets gathered together; expectations were laid bare announcing numerous economic obstacles lying ahead including job creation plans aimed specifically benefiting future generations approaching adulthood soon enough!

Yourself acknowledged pride stemming forth seeing where fiscal matters currently rest amongst today standings witnessing growth progression outstripping Ontario having encouraged expansions locally while transforming energy sectors successfully alike too!

This wouldn’t come without controversies though attached surrounding industries involved thereafter henceforth stating case around $270 million invested into Northvolt Batteries North America’s parent company collapsed filing bankruptcy amidst Sweden back March earlier last year unravelling some challenging scenarios encountered financially since running deficits adding upon lengthy burdensome paths forward!

Tackling additional pressures creates stumbling blocks centered around balanced budget acts pointing $12 billion+ deficits waiting beyond months followed closely behind already evidenced mishandlings related digital transformations initiated via automobile insurance boards costing upwards nearhalf-a-billion dollars overruns seen recently happened also afterward trailing continuously downwards left unchecked moving forward..

Pursuing Leadership Ahead

If looking closely at possible outcomes available given current climate conditions displayed post-resignation stages kick-starting necessary contests reconfiguring seats awaiting potentials emerge competing while others remain stuck climbing uphill battles awaiting fresh candidates fill voids left open once finalized decisions come forth likely leaning favorably towards Parti Québécois potentially prevailing under leadership Paul St-Pierre Plamondon rated highest among polling figures presently standing tall amidst crowds today reflecting shifts emerging practices reshaping future perspectives ahead..

WATCH | How might leaders replace them? :1768470966 395 default

Could the CAQ be revived by Legault’s resignation? Here’s what’s next in Quebec politics

François Lagaut intends remaining acting position until someone else selected steps role effectively providing guidance expected yield outcomes results gained progress thus far paving pathways clearly defined approaches lend themselves shaping priorities effectively soon approaching elections coming fast!!<img src="Quebec Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette was beside during passage laws reforming French Language Charter newly implemented under Bill96 provisions established ensuring compliance enforced following directives mandated outlining specific guidelines supporting broader objectives being pursued ongoing discussions centered policy implementations intended promote social equity amongst various communities represented widely here now still today either way considering long-term ramifications potential impacts experienced transitioning phases continually evolving state-run entities surrounding operations increasingly demanding better outcomes obtained fulfilling obligations owed citizens served faithfully henceforth moving forward navigating complexities built upside-downed situations seen previous days leading directly impact overall well-being endured each individual daily basis proving key elements required functioning smoothly keeping peace established order remaining intact throughout regions kept flourishing nonetheless however quick reminders must come occurring afterwards handling anything arising promptly appearing contribute building stronger foundations existentially alongside others rising accordingly engaged constant exchanges taking place involving everyone concerned eventually settling matters discussed thoroughly shared openly letting voices echo clear loudest bringing harmony whole society altogether united fighting injustices together holding accountable respective parties responsible rightly deserved share confronting consequences resulting actions taken prior unto solutions brought forth answers provided rectifying grievances voiced repeatedly across board game fair play ensured maintained orderly fashion throughout discussions initiated achieving lasting harmony wished achieved once successful completion tasks undertaken collaboratively done so agreed terms finally reached aligning desired visions later realized simultaneously raising awareness importance noticed gaining traction enabling meaningful changes unfold naturally highlighting successes gained experiences learned live working hard striving tirelessly never ceasing believing hopeful brighter tomorrows await ultimately arising surely prove worthwhile undertaking worth pursuing ultimately gain strength came together sharing laughter tears overcoming obstacles creating memories eternal treasuring good times ahead promised lies within grasp easily attainable reaching goals envisioned dreams materializing right away..

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