A few days before the pre-sessional caucus of the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ), the mayor of Victoriaville, Antoine Tardif, indicates that he will not run in the race to succeed Dominique Anglade.
In a message published Friday morning on his Facebook page, Mr. Tardif indicated that he had been “strongly solicited in recent months” to be a candidate for the leadership of the PLQ.
He admits to having thought about this possibility, but “it is clear that the time is not right” for him, particularly because of the projects he is leading in Victoriaville and at the Fédération québécoise des municipalités.
Despite this withdrawal, Mr. Tardif does not rule out one day taking his political commitment to “another level of government.”
“I also believe that a PLQ capable of bringing together our regions, our national capital and our metropolis would regain its relevance on the political scene,” he wrote.
Antoine Tardif is close to the federal MP for Richmond–Arthabaska, Alain Rayes, for whom he was a political advisor. Mr. Rayes left the Conservative caucus when Pierre Poilievre took over. The mayor of Victoriaville was seen as a potential candidate who would have embodied a more centre-right stance.
The Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, also recently closed the door on launching himself. His name had been circulating behind the scenes for several months.
Three candidates confirmed
Although the race officially doesn’t begin until January, three candidates have already launched their bid. Former Montreal mayor and former federal minister Denis Coderre and former CEO of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec Charles Milliard have confirmed that they are running for the PLQ leadership, and the latest addition to the list is tax lawyer Marc Bélanger.
Federal Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez is keeping his leadership intentions under wraps, but The Canadian Press reported earlier this week that he and members of his inner circle were planning his leadership campaign behind the scenes.
The Liberal MP for Marguerite-Bourgeoys, Frédéric Beauchemin, is officially still thinking about it, but should make the leap soon.
The new Liberal leader will be chosen in the summer of 2025.
