A Metis Nation flag flies in Ottawa on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. The Métis Nation — Saskatchewan is pulling its support for a federal bill set to recognize its self-government, citing concerns with Métis organizations in Ontario and Alberta also included in the legislation. THE CANADIAN PRESS
In a significant political shift, the Quebec government whip, Eric Lefebvre, has resigned from the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) to align himself with the federal Conservative Party, raising concerns within the provincial ruling party amidst declining poll numbers.
Lefebvre's decision to step down was announced on Tuesday, indicating his intention to serve as an Independent in the Quebec legislature before transitioning to join the Conservatives under Pierre Poilievre's leadership for the upcoming federal election, mandated by October 2025.
Expressing pride in Lefebvre's decision, Poilievre emphasized the value of his addition to the Conservative team, highlighting priorities such as tax reduction, housing development, fiscal stability, and crime prevention.
The abrupt departure of Lefebvre from the CAQ has left fellow legislature members pondering the implications, prompting speculation about the future of the party. In Quebec City, Finance Minister Eric Girard refrained from definitively addressing rumors about his potential alignment with Poilievre's party, citing his existing responsibilities.
Lefebvre becomes the second CAQ member to depart since the party's decisive victory in 2022. Joëlle Boutin, the representative for Jean-Talon riding, resigned last July, citing personal reasons, leading to her seat being filled by the Parti Québécois in a subsequent byelection.
Quebec Premier François Legault acknowledged Lefebvre's decision, thanking him for his service and wishing him success in future endeavors. However, opposition parties and some within the CAQ expressed disappointment, questioning the propriety of remaining in office as an Independent.
The CAQ's decline in popularity, trailing behind the Parti Québécois in recent polls, has raised concerns within the party about potential further departures. While the Conservatives, under Poilievre's leadership, enjoy favorable polling numbers in Quebec, they currently rank third behind the Bloc Québécois and the Liberals.
Lefebvre plans to contest the federal riding of Richmond-Arthabaska, formerly held by the Conservatives until Alain Rayes resigned from the party to sit as an Independent after Poilievre's ascension to leadership in 2022. Despite a previous unsuccessful attempt to secure the seat in 2008, Lefebvre's extensive experience in provincial politics, representing the Arthabaska riding since 2016, underscores his candidacy.
As the former government whip, Lefebvre's departure leaves a void in the CAQ's legislative framework, prompting reflection on the party's future direction amidst ongoing political shifts.
