Watch: A new era for Quebec politics?
MONTREAL – In a win that many were suggesting could signify a devastating blow to Quebec’s sovereignty movement, Philippe Couillard led his Liberal Party to a majority government on Monday evening.
READ MORE: 8 surprise wins and losses in the Quebec election
Here’s a look at five things you need to know about Monday’s provincial election.
Liberal Party paints Quebec red
It took less than an hour after the polls closed on Monday night for a majority win to be declared for the Liberals. Leader Philippe Couillard’s party took 70 of 125 ridings, including La Prairie, which had been a Parti Quebecois stronghold since 1867. Liberals also took the riding of Megantic, where there was speculation it could go to the Parti Quebecois after how well leader Pauline Marois handled the tragic train derailment that destroyed the Lac-Megantic town centre.
Watch: Couillard’s campaign message connected with Quebec voters
Parti Quebecois leader steps down
After her election defeat, Parti Quebecois leader Pauline Marois announced that she will step down. “I love Quebec and I love Quebecers,” she told supporters at PQ headquarters in downtown Montreal. “In the short time we were in government, we accomplished a lot and we should be proud.”
Watch: Marois’ final speech as PQ leader
Jockeying for PQ leadership kicks off
In an unprecedented move, newly elected Parti Quebecois MNA Pierre Karl Peladeau joined returning MNAs Jean-Francois Lisee and Bernard Drainville on-stage at PQ headquarters, before defeated leader Pauline Marois had spoken. The scene left pundits wondering if their speeches were an early taste of a leadership race.
Watch: Pierre Karl Peladeau, Jean-François Lisee speak at PQ headquarters
Former student leaders lose seats
Two former student leaders, Leo Bureau-Blouin and Martine Desjardins, who were running under the Parti Quebecois banner, both lost their seats. This could be seen as a reflection of the wider discontent over PQ policy shifts since the party took power after student protests over tuition fees and government corruption in 2012.
Watch: Students protest PQ austerity in Montreal
Coalition Avenir support stays steady
Despite a slow start in the election campaign, Coalition Avenir Quebec leader Francois Legault made an impressive comeback after doing very well during the second televised debate, winning 22 seats, up from 19 in 2012.
Watch: Francois Legault addresses CAQ supporters
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