Karl Blackburn will not run for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party

Photo: Christinne Muschi Archives The Canadian Press “I have decided to prioritize my health, my family and the CPQ,” Karl Blackburn wrote on his Facebook page when announcing that he will not run for the leadership of the PLQ.

Thomas Laberge – The Canadian Press in Quebec City

Published at 10:37 a.m.

• Quebec City

The president and CEO of the Conseil du patronat (CPQ), Karl Blackburn, is ending the suspense: he will not be a candidate in the race for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ).

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He made the announcement on his Facebook page. “In recent weeks, several friends and former political colleagues have encouraged me to think again about the possibility of running for the leadership of the PLQ. Although this vote of confidence touches me seriously and sincerely, I have decided to prioritize my health, my family and the CPQ,” he wrote.

Karl Blackburn has prostate cancer. He underwent surgery in recent weeks “which went well.” “I am confident that my recovery will allow me to gradually resume my professional activities in the coming weeks,” he adds.

Karl Blackburn’s name was circulating among Liberal activists. A few months ago, during a visit to the National Assembly, he suggested that he might be in the race after overcoming his illness.

Karl Blackburn was the Liberal MNA for Roberval from 2003 to 2007. He was also the party’s organizer and general director.

Currently, five candidates are on the starting line: former federal minister Pablo Rodriguez, former Montreal mayor Denis Coderre, former CEO of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec Charles Milliard, MNA Frédéric Beauchemin and tax lawyer Marc Bélanger.

“Karl Blackburn is a great liberal for a long time who has done several things in the party. He would have been an added value in the debate with his ideas and his experience at the Employers' Council. “I would have been very happy to be able to debate with him,” Mr. Beauchemin said Friday in the National Assembly.

The race officially begins in January 2025. The new Liberal leader will be chosen in the summer of that same year.

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