Quebec premier-designate meets outgoing leader to discuss minority government transition

Outgoing Premier Christine Fréchette and premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon convened for roughly 50 minutes in Quebec City to start the power transition, reviewing the province’s economy, employment outlook, relations with the United States and the Churchill Falls hydroelectric agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador. St-Pierre Plamondon told reporters the discussion covered “urgent and sensitive issues” and expressed satisfaction with the cooperation, pledging an orderly, collaborative handover; Fréchette echoed the importance of a coordinated process and information exchange.

The meeting follows the PQ’s minority victory, which returns the sovereigntist party to power for the first time since 2014, and precedes the swearing-in ceremony slated for Oct. 21. The new government faces a legal question over the oath to the King, a need to secure support from other parties to pass legislation, and a steep learning curve with over 50 first-time MNAs, especially in Montreal and Quebec City. Meanwhile, the PQ is seeking judicial recounts in Champlain and Vachon amid close results. St-Pierre Plamondon is expected to announce his cabinet next week.