Québec Solidaire at 20: Polls, Policy & Future of the Party

Quebec Political Landscape Shifts: PQ Gains Ground as Liberals Struggle

The political landscape in Quebec is undergoing a notable shift, with the Parti Québécois (PQ) experiencing a surge in support while the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) faces significant challenges. Recent polling data indicates a widening gap between the two parties, raising questions about the future direction of Quebec politics.

A Léger poll conducted for the Québecor media chain reveals the PQ currently holds 39 per cent of voter popularity, a substantial 18-point lead over the Liberals, who are at 21 per cent. This represents a six-point drop for the Liberals since the last Léger poll. The ruling Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) has seen a slight increase, gaining a point to reach 18 per cent, but remains behind the PQ. The Conservative Party of Quebec stands at 13 per cent, down one point, while Québec solidaire (QS) continues to lag with just eight per cent support.

The PQ’s strength is particularly evident among francophone voters, where they command 48 per cent support compared to only 10 per cent for the Liberals. This dominance within the francophone community is a key factor driving the PQ’s overall gains.

When voters were asked to identify the best candidate for Premier of Quebec, 32 per cent named Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, leader of the PQ – a six-point increase from a previous poll. This suggests growing confidence in Plamondon’s leadership and a willingness among Quebecers to consider the PQ as a viable governing option.

However, the situation is markedly different for the Quebec Liberals. The same Léger poll found that 52 per cent of respondents do not believe current party leader Pablo Rodriguez is the right person to rebuild the party. This lack of confidence comes amidst ongoing internal crises within the Liberal caucus, including the recent expulsion of MNA Marwah Rizqy.

Further data from a Pallas Data poll, conducted on September 17, 2025, showed the PQ with 38 per cent support, the PLQ with 27 per cent, the Conservative Party of Quebec with 15 per cent, the CAQ with 11 per cent, and Québec solidaire with 8 per cent.

Recent projections from 338Canada, updated on February 3, 2026, further illustrate this trend. The projections estimate the PQ with 37 per cent of the popular vote and a likely seat distribution of 73 seats – enough for a majority government. The Liberals are projected to receive 28 per cent of the vote, translating to 40 seats. The CAQ is projected at 16 per cent (8 seats), the Conservative Party of Quebec at 15 per cent (4 seats), and Québec solidaire at 9 per cent (4 seats).

Québec solidaire is facing its own challenges, with recent reports indicating a decline in support. According to reports, the party is now “at the bottom of the cave” in terms of polling numbers, after having celebrated its 20th anniversary. The party has recently proposed a policy to remove taxes on hygiene products.

The current projections, as of February 3, 2026, suggest a significant shift in Quebec’s political landscape, with the PQ positioned as a strong contender in the next election. The Liberals, meanwhile, face a considerable uphill battle to regain voter confidence and rebuild their standing in the province.