Suffering from cancer, Karl Blackburn will not be a candidate for leadership of the PLQ

Photo: Christine Muschi Archives The Canadian Press The president and CEO of the Conseil du patronat du Québec, Karl Blackburn, during a press conference in Montreal, June 29, 2023

Florence Morin-Martel

Posted at 6:21 p.m. Updated at 7:33 p.m.

• Quebec

Tipped as a candidate for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ), the president and CEO of the Conseil du patronat du Québec, Karl Blackburn, announced Monday evening that he would not be in the race due to a cancer.

“Like several thousand Quebecers each year, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Although I feel energetic and the prognosis is encouraging, I am obviously aware that I will have to prioritize my health in the coming months to combat this disease,” he wrote in a Facebook post. 

The 56-year-old man said that he will now devote himself to reconciling his medical treatments and his responsibilities at the Conseil du patronat du Québec.

Mr Blackburn wanted to thank the many people who had encouraged him to take on the Liberal leadership race, something he gave “serious” thought to. “The testimonies received, the support and all these signs of affection were for me real sources of motivation and support through what I was going through in silence,” underlined the man who is originally from Chicoutimi, in Saguenay–Lac- Saint-Jean.

In addition to having been Liberal MP for Roberval from 2003 to 2007, Karl Blackburn was Director General of the PLQ from 2009 to 2013. He then became senior director, public affairs and government relations for Canada, at Resolute Forest Products.

As for the race for the Liberal leadership, it will begin on January 13, 2025. Those who wish to take part will have until the following April 11 to submit their candidacy. The new leader will be elected on June 14, 2025, at the end of a congress to be held in Quebec.

Among those who are openly considering taking part in the race, we includes the member for Marguerite-Bourgeoys, Frédéric Beauchemin, as well as the former mayor of Montreal Denis Coderre. Expected, Charles Milliard announced at the beginning of June that he would leave his position as president and general director of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Quebec next month.