Quebec election starts Thursday with many voters unsatisfied and wanting change
MONTREAL — The Quebec election campaign begins Thursday amid a strong economy, low unemployment and rising salaries, but with a population largely dissatisfied with the government and undecided about who it will vote for.
Francois Legault’s Coalition Avenir Quebec has never held power but has either led, or been tied for first place, in every public opinion poll since January.
His chances at becoming premier on Oct. 1 are buoyed by the fact the Coalition is currently strongest of the four main parties among the critical francophone vote.
The Coalition has risen to the top of the polls largely by picking off nationalist voters from the Parti Quebecois who are disenchanted with the prospect of another independence referendum and who want to ensure the Liberals’ tenure in power ends after almost 15 consecutive years.