Fifty-nine Parti Québécois members were sworn in at Quebec's National Assembly on Thursday, marking the formal start of the party's minority government. Premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon led the group of elected officials following the general election held on October 5.

A new mandate for the PQ

During the ceremony in the Red Room, St-Pierre Plamondon addressed the newly minted MNAs about the challenges ahead. He noted that the party intends to focus on core responsibilities such as education and health care, while also addressing the cost of living and public finances.

To prepare the caucus, the premier-designate has organized specialized training for his team. This program includes:

  • A course described as a "mini MBA for elected officials."
  • Instruction led by former premier Pauline Marois and Jean Boyer.
  • Training focused on political best practices and avoiding common pitfalls.

The shifting political landscape

The recent election has fundamentally altered the composition of the National Assembly. While the Parti Québécois secured 59 seats, other parties also won representation: the Quebec Liberal Party took 40 seats, the Conservative Party of Quebec won 19, and Québec Solidaire secured nine.

In contrast to previous years, the swearing-in process did not include an oath of allegiance to the King. This follows a 2022 rule change that allows Quebec legislators to bypass the royal oath. St-Pierre Plamondon had previously committed to refusing the oath in 2022 and maintained that stance during this ceremony.

What about the other parties?

While the Parti Québécois begins its work, members of other political parties are scheduled to be sworn in next week. This excludes the outgoing Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), which was wiped off the map after failing to win any seats in the election. The CAQ is currently undergoing a period of reflection to determine its future leadership.

FAQ

How many seats did the Parti Québécois win?

The party won 59 seats in the general election, though they have requested recounts in two specific ridings.

When will the new cabinet be sworn in?

The Parti Québécois cabinet is scheduled to be sworn in on October 21.