Balancing stability and change, Christine Fréchette bets on the regions

Now at the helm of the Quebec government, Christine Fréchette wants to make a strong statement. To bring in fresh blood and give more weight to the regions, she is sacrificing five ministers, four of whom will not be running for re-election (Geneviève Guilbault, Caroline Proulx, Jonatan Julien, Gilles Bélanger, and Isabelle Charest). Half of the ministers remain in their posts, while the other half are given new responsibilities. With the title of Deputy Premier, Ian Lafrenière becomes the government's key figure.

Before winning back the hearts of Quebecers, the CAQ leader first sought to rally her caucus. The main new development—though anticipated—remains the appointment of her former leadership rival, Bernard Drainville, as super-minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy. The Drainville camp also secured the promotion of Samuel Poulin to Minister of Municipal Affairs, the retention of ministers Sonia Bélanger and Simon Jolin-Barette, and the appointment of Kariane Bourassa to the cabinet.

In the interest of stability, she reappointed the ministers at the top of the government hierarchy: Eric Girard (Finance), Sonia LeBel (Education), France-Élaine Duranceau (Treasury Board), Sonia Bélanger (Health), and Simon Jolin-Barette (Justice). The latter, however, has been demoted, as he has been relieved of several responsibilities, including that of House Leader, which now goes to François Bonnardel. Ms. Duranceau was promoted, also taking on the role of Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs.

The changes

In a cabinet composed of 28 members, gender parity has declined: 17 men and 11 women will be at the table.

To renew the team, Premier Christine Fréchette made several adjustments, reflecting the government's current priorities and a desire to optimize ministerial action.

• Kateri Champagne Jourdain is now Minister of Natural Resources and Forests
• Benoit Charette is appointed Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility
• Bernard Drainville takes over as Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, and Minister responsible for the Maritime Strategy
• Pascale Déry is promoted to Minister of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks
• Samuel Poulin is promoted to Minister of Municipal Affairs
• Jean-François Simard becomes Minister of Employment while remaining Minister for the Capitale-Nationale region

Five (+2) newcomers

Premier Christine Fréchette also marks a turning point in the composition of the Cabinet by adding five new faces, primarily from the regions, and by reinstating two ministers. This desire to reconnect with the regions is reflected in particular by the creation of a new body: the Council of Regions, which will have 18 elected members.

With these choices, Ms. Fréchette seeks to strengthen the CAQ's position as a government attentive to regional realities, while also addressing some criticisms leveled at the previous administration, particularly under François Legault, regarding the underrepresentation of certain regions within the Cabinet.

The new ministers are:

• François Bonnardel returns to the Cabinet as House Leader and Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration
• Lionel Carmant returns as Minister responsible for Social Services and the Fight Against Homelessness
• Daniel Bernard (Rouyn-Noranda – Témiscamingue) becomes Minister Delegate for the Economy and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
• Catherine Blouin (Bonaventure) becomes Minister of Families
• Karine Boivin Roy (Anjou – Louis-Riel) will be Minister responsible for Housing
• Kariane Bourassa (Charlevoix – Côte-de-Beaupré) holds the position of Minister responsible for Sport, Recreation and Outdoor Activities
• Mathieu Lévesque (Chapleau), for whom a new position of Minister Delegate for the Regions has been created. He will also be Minister responsible for Youth

Stability

The Prime Minister has chosen to retain several ministers holding key portfolios, relying on experienced players to ensure government stability in the run-up to the election.

The following ministers have been reappointed:

• Ian Lafrenière, Deputy Premier, Minister of Homeland Security and Minister Responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit
• Eric Girard, Minister of Finance, Minister of Infrastructure
• Sonia Bélanger, Minister of Health, Minister Responsible for Seniors and Caregivers
• Sonia LeBel, Minister of Education
• Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour, Minister Responsible for Canadian Relations
• France-Élaine Duranceau, Minister of Government Administration and President of the Treasury Board, Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs
• Simon Jolin-Barrette, Minister of Justice, Minister Responsible for Constitutional Affairs
• Jean-François Roberge, Minister of the French Language, Minister Responsible for the Canadian Francophonie, Minister Responsible for Secularism, Minister Responsible for Democratic Institutions and Minister Responsible for Access to Information and the Protection of Personal Information
• Martine Biron, Minister of Higher Education, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women
• Christopher Skeete, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, Minister responsible for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers and Minister for the Fight Against Racism
• Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications
• Donald Martel, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
• Amélie Dionne, Minister of Tourism
• Chantal Rouleau, Minister responsible for Social Solidarity and Community Action, Minister for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region
• Éric Girard (Lac-Saint-Jean), Minister for Regional Economic Development

The situation will evolve in the coming days, and the NATIONAL team will be there to guide you with this government for the monitoring of your priority cases and during this transitional period before the start of the electoral adventure.