Pablo Rodriguez

St. Laurent, Jacques-Cartier MNAs support Rodriguez for QLP leader

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

St. Laurent MNA Marwah Rizqy and Jacques Cartier MNA Gregory Kelley have declared their support for Pablo Rodriguez as leader of the Quebec Liberal Party.

Rodriguez, who has appeared at several local events lately, was former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Quebec lieutenant. He made the latest endorsement announcement accompanied by Michelle Setlakwe, campaign co-chair and MNA for Mont-Royal–Outremont.

Kelley and Rizqy are a married couple. Kelley, also the Official Opposition Critic for Energy, for Natural Resources, and for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers, stated that Rodriguez is “someone who brings people together, not someone who divides.

“He has the experience and know-how to help continue to rebuild the party and I feel confident supporting someone who has faced down the Trump administration as a federal minister and has contacts all across Quebec and Canada. He can make Quebec a leader in the Canadian federation again, something we need in these unstable times.”

Rizqy, who announced months ago that she is not running for re-election, said Rodriguez is “the right man for the Quebec Liberal Party.

“His experience and drive will allow us to build a strong Liberal team to offer Quebecers a credible alternative to François Legault.”

Rodriguez himself stated this week that “I have a plan, I have the experience, and I definitely have a strong team to take on François Legault and the PQ in the next election.

“In order for the QLP to win the next election, it is absolutely necessary to unite all the Liberal forces. It is thanks to competent and high-quality people like Greg and Marwah that I will succeed. I’m really lucky to be able to count on their support and, above all, to have the privilege of calling them my friends,” says Pablo Rodriguez.

Rodriguez has already received endorsements from MNAs Désirée McGraw, Linda Caron, Setlakwe, Frédéric Beauchemin, Brigitte Garceau, Sona Lakhoyan-Olivier, Elisabeth Prass and Marie-Claude Nichols

Rodriguez is running against Karl Blackburn former President of the Conseil du Patronat du Quebec (2020–2025) Director General of the QLP (2009–2013) and MNA for Roberval (2003–2007) and Charles Milliard former President of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (2020–2024). Also in the race are attorney Marc Belamger and economist Mario Roy. n

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Liberals in the Gaspé Peninsula believe in Pablo Rodriguez

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

NEW RICHMOND – Christian Cyr, president of the Quebec Liberal Association of the Gaspé Peninsula-Magdalen Islands and Bonaventure believes that Pablo Rodriguez’s election will enable the provincial Liberals to regain power in the October 2026 election.

“He has everything it takes to reconnect the party in all regions of Quebec and in urban areas. Pablo Rodriguez is a unifier, and his work has already begun,” said Christian Cyr.

The former federal minister won in the second round on June 14 with 52.3% of the vote, narrowly defeating Charles Milliard with 47.7%.

Former premiers Philippe Couillard and Jean Charest welcomed the new leader on stage.
“There is a rallying cry. The Liberal Party has a history dating back more than 150 years. There have been great achievements in Quebec with sound management of government affairs. There is a lot of experience within the party, as well as new faces and new forces. It’s a good combination to lead Quebec,” said Mr. Cyr.

Now that the party has a leader, the next 15 months will be focused on reconnecting with Quebecers and preparing for the upcoming electoral campaign.

“Presenting a credible alternative to the CAQ (Coalition Avenir Québec) government, an alternative that will reconnect with the regions and present credible plans for both state management and regional affairs,” Mr. Cyr explained.

Marc Tanguay served as interim leader for two and a half years following Dominique Anglade’s resignation after the debacle of 2022. His leadership during that period was praised. “He did a very good job, often walking a tightrope to keep people united. People were always waiting for a leader. He was very skilled and experienced. The troops are ready for a big step forward,” believes Mr. Cyr.

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