Charles Milliard commits to 10 years with the PLQ

Photo: Annik MH de Carufel Archives Le Devoir The outgoing CEO of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, Charles Milliard, in 2015. Mr. Millard has already consolidated several supports among the young activists of the Quebec Liberal Party at their convention, Saturday.

Olivier Du Ruisseau

Published at 11:43 a.m.

• Québec

The outgoing CEO of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, who announced Friday that he would be a candidate in the race for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ), assured Saturday that he was running for “a 10-year project.” “I will definitely be there” in the 2026 election as well as in the 2023 election, carrying the PLQ colours in one way or another, he declared.

He was at the party’s Youth Commission convention in Montreal on Saturday morning. The event, which marks the start of the political year in Quebec each year, allows future candidates in the leadership race to gauge their support among young members. Remember that the race to succeed Dominique Anglade is scheduled to take place from January to June 2025.

Mr. Millard has already consolidated several supporters among young activists. Last May, 81 of them signed an open letter to convince him “to run for the leadership of the Liberal Party.” On Saturday, about ten participants, out of some 200 people present, supported him without hesitation.

Marguerite-Bourgeoys (LaSalle) MNA Frédéric Beauchemin, who has not yet made his candidacy official but has promised to make an announcement “very soon,” was also accompanied by young supporters. Among them was the former president of the party’s youth wing, Lina Yunes, who left her position in July to work alongside him.

Denis Coderre was also present at the convention, but was unable to specify how many young activists support him. He reiterated that he would be a QLP candidate in Bellechasse, on the south shore of Quebec City, in 2026, whether or not he is elected QLP leader.

More details to follow.