Mathieu Lévesque takes interim leadership of Coalition avenir Québec after October 5 wipeout
The Outaouais MNA and former minister becomes temporary head of the party that won zero seats, with a leadership race to follow.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mathieu Lévesque was appointed interim leader of Coalition avenir Québec on Saturday night, taking over the party after its total collapse in the October 5 provincial election.
Lévesque, an MNA for the Outaouais region, replaces Christine Fréchette, who resigned the day after the election. The CAQ won no seats — a historic reversal from the 79 members it held before the legislature was dissolved.
Lévesque represented Chapleau for eight years, most recently as minister responsible for youth and minister for the regions — roles he held for a few months. In the October 5 election, he finished third in Chapleau with 16.52 per cent of the vote, behind Liberal Michel Langevin (37.46 per cent) and Parti Québécois candidate Meixia Maltais.
He has been with the party since 2012 as a founding member and previously served as president of the CAQ's Commission de la Relève. "I deeply believe that we represent the true third way," Lévesque said in a press release. "Now we have to do some introspection all together. That is why I humbly welcome this important responsibility."
Fréchette offered her support on social media, writing that Lévesque "is one of its founding members and has held several positions within our bodies" and is "the right person to take over the reins of the party, defend our roots and ensure a healthy transition between now and the leadership race."
CAQ president Sarah Beaumier called Lévesque "an important player in our party" who "knows the DNA of the party."
The party has scheduled a leadership race to follow, though no date has been announced.
The facts
Who became interim leader of Coalition avenir Québec?
Mathieu Lévesque, an MNA for the Outaouais region, was appointed interim leader of Coalition avenir Québec on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
How many seats did the CAQ win in the October 5 election?
Coalition avenir Québec won zero seats in the October 5 provincial election, down from the 79 members it held before the legislature was dissolved.
What positions did Lévesque hold in the CAQ before becoming interim leader?
Mathieu Lévesque has been a founding member of Coalition avenir Québec since 2012 and previously served as president of the party's Commission de la Relève and as minister responsible for youth and minister for the regions.
