Opposition voices worries following CAQ MNA’s move to federal Conservatives

Québec solidaire and the Parti Québécois are raising concerns over the decision made by Coalition Avenir Québec MNA Eric Lefebvre to continue representing his riding as an independent after announcing his intention to run as a Conservative candidate in the next federal election.

QS MNA Vincent Marissal has urged Lefebvre, who also served as the party whip, to carefully consider his actions and make a decision that aligns with the best interests of his constituents. Meanwhile, PQ MNA Pascal Bérubé emphasized the need for Lefebvre to provide an explanation for his departure so soon after the October 2022 general election, especially considering his role as a member of the provincial cabinet.

Quebec Liberal interim-leader Marc Tanguay, while more reserved in his response, expressed his expectation that Lefebvre would continue fulfilling his duties as an MNA. However, Tanguay also noted that François Legault, the CAQ leader, may not be pleased with Lefebvre’s decision to pursue a future with federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.

Lefebvre’s departure from the CAQ caucus marks the second MNA to leave since the 2022 election, following Joëlle Boutin’s resignation last July. Boutin’s departure led to a byelection in which the riding of Jean-Talon was won by the PQ, a result that was seen as a setback for Legault and the CAQ.

With Lefebvre choosing to represent his riding of Arthabaska as an independent, there will be no byelection held. As the CAQ faces declining poll numbers, Poilievre’s Conservatives are currently leading in voter intentions, with the exception of Quebec where they trail behind the Bloc Québécois and the Liberals led by Justin Trudeau.