Quebec party leaders prepare for debates as campaign intensifies

The leaders of Quebec's five main political parties are preparing for debates that could shape the outcome of the October election. Pollster Philip Fournier says fall election campaigns typically intensify after Labour Day as more citizens start tuning in. According to Fournier, who runs polling aggregator 338Canada, the five leaders will have to fight for the attention of voters who largely remain undecided. Charles Milliard, the leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, says he is counting on the national debates to boost his profile and popularity. His party has consistently been lagging behind the Parti Québécois and the Coalition Avenir Québec in the polls. The five party leaders will give interviews and discuss their platforms on Radio-Canada's airwaves on Wednesday evening. The leaders are also scheduled to participate in their first debate on Sept. 15. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 8, 2026.