The departure of Éric Lefebvre from the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) to join the Conservative Party at the federal level has left a vacant spot for the Chief Whip position within the CAQ.
Several potential candidates within the CAQ are vying for the position, including Nancy Guillemette, Claude Reid, Geneviève Hébert, and Donald Martel, who currently serve as deputy whips.
Rumors also suggest that Samuel Poulin and François Jacques are being considered, with speculation that Samuel Poulin may also be eyeing a move to the federal Conservative Party.
The competition for the position is fierce, with strategies underway to sway the decision of CAQ leader François Legault.
Despite the pressure to fill the role, Legault’s team has stated that the selection process will not be rushed, indicating that a decision may not be imminent.
The Chief Whip position offers a yearly bonus of $46,000, increasing the allure of the role among CAQ members.
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, expressed pride in welcoming Éric Lefebvre to the Conservative team, with Lefebvre set to run in the Arthabaska-Richmond riding.
The decisions of Lefebvre have caused discomfort among opposition parties in the Quebec National Assembly, with Quebec Solidaire and the Parti Québécois questioning his intentions and loyalty.
Quebec Solidaire’s Vincent Marissal and the Parti Québécois’ Pascal Bérubé have called for clarity from Lefebvre, while Liberal interim leader Marc Tanguay has expressed disappointment in the departure but expects Lefebvre to continue his duties as an independent MLA.
The situation has undoubtedly caused a stir within Quebec’s political landscape, with repercussions felt across party lines.
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