A pivotal night for Quebec and Canada. CTVNews.ca has special live coverage as voters shape the next chapter.
CTV News projects the Parti Québécois will form a minority government in Quebec.
In a major upset for the ruling Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) party, the Parti Québécois (PQ) is shaking up the political landscape in Quebec.
The party hasn’t been in power since 2014 and its leader, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, has vowed to hold a third referendum on Quebec sovereignty in his first term.
Follow along for the latest updates:
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Key details:
- PQ will form minority government, CTV News projects
- Liberals to form official Opposition, CTV News projects
- All leaders win seats – except CAQ’s Fréchette
- CAQ leader makes concession speech
Races that are too close
As the votes are being counted, there are some very tight races that are too close to call in the Montreal area.
The Montreal riding of Saint-Henri–Sainte-Anne, where incumbent MNA Guillaume Cliche-Rivard (Québec solidaire) is neck-and-neck with the Liberal candidate Benoit Clermont. As of 10:30 p.m., the Liberals have a narrow lead with 11,960 votes versus 11,678 votes for the QS.
Another close race in Papineau, where the PQ has a 483 lead over the Liberals.
In Maurice-Richard, the Liberals have a 561 vote lead ahead of the QS.
On Montreal's South Shore, the Liberals are leading in Montarville with 12,141 votes, a difference of 556 votes ahead of the PQ's Jean-François Cloutier.
The Montreal riding of Saint-Henri–Sainte-Anne, where incumbent MNA Guillaume Cliche-Rivard (Québec solidaire) is neck-and-neck with the Liberal candidate Benoit Clermont. As of 10:30 p.m., the Liberals have a narrow lead with 11,960 votes versus 11,678 votes for the QS.
Another close race in Papineau, where the PQ has a 483 lead over the Liberals.
In Maurice-Richard, the Liberals have a 561 vote lead ahead of the QS.
On Montreal's South Shore, the Liberals are leading in Montarville with 12,141 votes, a difference of 556 votes ahead of the PQ's Jean-François Cloutier.
PM Carney congratulates PSPP
Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated Paul St-Pierre Plamondon for his victory in a post on X, saying he looks forward to working with him "to support Quebec businesses and workers affected by tariffs, to create better jobs, to combat homelessness, and to help build more housing throughout Quebec."
He also thanked Christine Frechette, whose party has so far failed to pick up any seats, for her "commitment to Quebec and Canada."
Carney's X account initially referred to Plamondon as "Prime Minister-designate" before sending another post, calling him "Premier-designate."
Carney's X account initially referred to Plamondon as "Prime Minister-designate" before sending another post, calling him "Premier-designate."
Party standings so far
Two hours after the polls closed in Quebec, the PQ has a significant lead, with 54 elected MNAs and leading in five other ridings. The party went into the election with just seven seats.
The Liberals, who will form the official opposition, have won 32 seats so far and are leading in eight other ridings. At dissolution, the party had 18 seats in the legislature.
The Quebec Conservative Party has so far won 17 seats and are leading in two ridings, while Québec solidaire secured seven seats, but are also leading in nine other ridings.
The CAQ has, at this point, been wiped off the map with zero seats as of 10 p.m.
The Liberals, who will form the official opposition, have won 32 seats so far and are leading in eight other ridings. At dissolution, the party had 18 seats in the legislature.
The Quebec Conservative Party has so far won 17 seats and are leading in two ridings, while Québec solidaire secured seven seats, but are also leading in nine other ridings.
The CAQ has, at this point, been wiped off the map with zero seats as of 10 p.m.
Longest serving MNAs to pass two decades in office
PQ candidate Pascale Bérubé was re-elected in Matane-Matapédia-Mitis and is will enter his 20th year in office next year. First elected on March 26, 2007, Bérubé is the longest serving member of the National Assembly.
Liberal Filomena Rotiroti was first elected on Dec. 8, 2008 in Jeanne-Mance–Viger, and, if she remains in office, will likely pass a second decade in office as well in the next term.
The longest-serving Quebec MNA in Quebec history is François Gendron, who served for 42 years from 1976 to 2018.
Pascale Bérubé casts is ballot in Matane, and won his seat again, meaning he will enter his second decade and remain the longest serving MNA in Quebec. (Pascale Bérubé/Facebook)
CAQ leader loses her seat
Minutes after making her concession speech, CAQ leader Christine Fréchette has lost her seat, CTV News projects.
With 143 polls reporting, the PQ's Jean Pellerin has secured 27.6 per cent support to win the riding of Trois-Rivières.
Fréchette is in second place with 24.8 per cent support. She did not directly address her political future in her concession speech tonight, but she has previously said that she would stay on as CAQ leader.
The CAQ has shockingly not won a single seat two hours after the polls have closed.
With 143 polls reporting, the PQ's Jean Pellerin has secured 27.6 per cent support to win the riding of Trois-Rivières.
Fréchette is in second place with 24.8 per cent support. She did not directly address her political future in her concession speech tonight, but she has previously said that she would stay on as CAQ leader.
The CAQ has shockingly not won a single seat two hours after the polls have closed.
Coalition Avenir Quebec Leader Christine Frechette speaks during a press conference alongside local candidates during a campaign stop, in Montreal, on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. . (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press)
'The failure is mine, not yours': CAQ leader
In a concession speech, CAQ leader Christine Fréchette addressed her supporters as her party suffers an embarrassing defeat in tonight's election.
"It's not what I expected and I take full responsibility," she said in Trois-Rivières, Que.
She said she called PQ leader Paul St. Pierre Plamondon to congratulate him on his party's victory, saying leading the CAQ has been "a great honour."
"The failure is mine not yours so keep your head held high," she said, adding that Quebecers clearly wanted change in this election.
"I respect their choice."
She left the stage appearing emotional as she made a heart gesture with her hands to the crowd.
She left the stage appearing emotional as she made a heart gesture with her hands to the crowd.
CAQ leader to make statement soon
CAQ officials have told CTV News that leader Christine Fréchette is expected to make a speech soon at her party headquarters in Trois-Rivières, Que.
CTV News Montreal's Olivia O'Malley reports that many supporters there are upset with the outcome of the election so far. Fréchette is currently trailing the PQ candidate.
The party, which has not yet won a seat tonight 90 minutes after polls closed, once held a majority with 90 seats back in 2022.
CAQ supporters watch the election results come in at the party's headquarters in Trois-Rivières, Que.
. (CTV News)
Youngest female MNA elected
Twenty-three-year-old Conservative candidate Éloïse Coulombe won her seat in Charlesbourg, becoming the youngest woman elected to the National Assembly.
Longueuil Mayor Catherine Fournier formerly held that distinction when she was elected in 2016 at 24 years of age. Elsie Lefebvre was elected for the PQ in 2004 when she was 25.
Longueuil Mayor Catherine Fournier formerly held that distinction when she was elected in 2016 at 24 years of age. Elsie Lefebvre was elected for the PQ in 2004 when she was 25.
Liberals to form official opposition
The Quebec Liberals will form the official opposition party in the Quebec legislature, CTV News projects.
The decision desk projects that the Liberals could win between 33 and 39 seats tonight, a significant win for the party.
The Liberals went into the 2026 election with 18 seats in the National Assembly, down from the 21 seats they won in the 2022 general election.
The decision desk projects that the Liberals could win between 33 and 39 seats tonight, a significant win for the party.
The Liberals went into the 2026 election with 18 seats in the National Assembly, down from the 21 seats they won in the 2022 general election.
Poilievre congratulates PSPP
Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre congratulated Paul St-Pierre Plamondon for his win, saying he will work with "all members" of Quebec's National Assembly.
Poilievre added in a post on X that he's "proud" of Quebec Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime, who he said "achieved historic gains" in the province.
As of this writing, the PC is leading or has been elected in 18 seats.
Poilievre added in a post on X that he's "proud" of Quebec Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime, who he said "achieved historic gains" in the province.
As of this writing, the PC is leading or has been elected in 18 seats.
All leaders win their seats, except Fréchette
With the polls closed for one hour now, all leaders of the major political parties have won their seats, except one.
Liberal leader Charles Milliard, Parti Québécois leader Paul St. Pierre Plamondon, Quebec Conservative leader Éric Duhaime, and Québéc solidaire leader Ruba Ghazal have all been elected.
CAQ leader Christine Fréchette has not yet been re-elected. It's a tight race currently in her riding of Trois-Rivières with the PQ candidate Jean Pellerin as both are leading with about 29 per cent of the vote (48/169 polls reporting).
Liberal leader Charles Milliard, Parti Québécois leader Paul St. Pierre Plamondon, Quebec Conservative leader Éric Duhaime, and Québéc solidaire leader Ruba Ghazal have all been elected.
CAQ leader Christine Fréchette has not yet been re-elected. It's a tight race currently in her riding of Trois-Rivières with the PQ candidate Jean Pellerin as both are leading with about 29 per cent of the vote (48/169 polls reporting).
Frechette in a fight
As her party fights for official status, CAQ Leader Christine Frechette is in a nailbiter in her own riding of Trois Rivieres.
Right now, just a few percentage points separate her from PQ candidate Jean Pellerin.
Coalition Avenir Quebec Leader Christine Frechette. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
Quebec Liberal leader wins seat
CTV News projects that Quebec Liberal Party leader Charles Milliard has won his seat in Orford, in Quebec's Eastern Townships.
This marks the first time Milliard will hold a seat in the National Assembly. Milliard came into the scene after former leader Pablo Rodriquez stepped down from the role amid the alleged vote-buying scandal.
This marks the first time Milliard will hold a seat in the National Assembly. Milliard came into the scene after former leader Pablo Rodriquez stepped down from the role amid the alleged vote-buying scandal.
Will CAQ lose party status?
The CAQ – the party that’s held power in Quebec for eight years – is leading or elected so far in just four seats (versus 59 for the PQ). A party needs to win at least 12 seats to win official status.
The PQ has managed to flip the table from their results in the 2022 election when they won only three seats.
CAQ Leader Christine Frechette. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
Party standings so far
About a half hour after the polls closed, the PQ has won 21 seats so far and is leading in 32 seats. The Liberals follow with 11 elected MNAs.
In a major early upset, the CAQ has not won any seats.
Full election results are available at on CTV News Montreal's election hub.
In a major early upset, the CAQ has not won any seats.
Full election results are available at on CTV News Montreal's election hub.
Quebec Conservative leader wins his seat
Quebec Conservative leader Éric Duhaime has won his seat in Bellechasse. This marks the first time a member of Quebec's Conservatives has been elected to the legislature since 1935.
Duhaime has been leader of the party since 2021.
The party has so far won 5 seats.
Duhaime has been leader of the party since 2021.
The party has so far won 5 seats.
With files from The Canadian Press
CTV News projects a PQ government
The CTV News decision desk projects that the Parti Québécois (PQ) will form the next government in Quebec.
It is not yet clear whether it will be a minority or majority government. A party needs 64 seats to secure a majority government in Quebec.
It is not yet clear whether it will be a minority or majority government. A party needs 64 seats to secure a majority government in Quebec.
First Conservative MNA elected
Former CAQ MNA turned Conservative Party of Quebec candidate in La Peltrie, Maïté Blanchette Vézina, has become the first Conservative candidate elected in a general election in the province's history.
The CPQ expects to pick up enough seats for official party status, 12, after being shut out of prior elections.
Jonathan Poulin was elected in Beauce-Sud, as the second CPQ MNA for Éric Duhaime's party.
The CPQ expects to pick up enough seats for official party status, 12, after being shut out of prior elections.
Jonathan Poulin was elected in Beauce-Sud, as the second CPQ MNA for Éric Duhaime's party.
La Peltrie Conservative candidate Maïté Blanchette Vézina greets Quebec Conservative Leader Eric Duhaime as he tours the region on the eve of a general election, in Quebec City on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. (Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press)
WATCH LIVE: CTV News Montreal special broadcast at 8 p.m.
After the polls close at 8 p.m., CTV will air a live election special on TV throughout the evening hosted by CTV News Montreal anchors Mutsumi Takahashi and Maya Johnson.
The special coverage, also on Crave, on CJAD 800 Radio, and our social media platforms, will have live election results as they come in with the same team of experts, and projections from CTV’s election desk, made up of experts who analyze the votes that are being counted to help project who the winner will be.
Readers can also follow CTVNewsMontreal.ca for the latest updates throughout the evening.
Former PQ leader says separation push could come later
Former PQ leader Jean-François Lisée says if the party forms government, it would not necessarily mean Quebec is headed for independence.
“You have a number of people who are very determined and competent and honest who get into politics for one reason, making Quebec a country,” he told CTV Power Play host Vassy Kapelos. “And Quebecers say, OK, we'll elect you, but we'll not let you make Quebec a country. We want you to run the province.”
Lisée added that the party’s decision to wait for U.S. President Donald Trump’s term to end before holding a referendum helped stop the issue of independence from dominating the election campaign.
“The master stroke of Mr. Plamondon was to announce just before the start of the campaign that he would not hold a referendum until Donald Trump left, and the level of anguish, of course, that Trump pours into the electorate in Canada, as in Quebec, as elsewhere, is very high,” he said.
Lisée also said that PQ would need a majority in the National Assembly to call a referendum.
“Depending on the numbers we'll have tonight, we'll see if the second independence party, which is Québec solidaire, has enough votes to enable him to carry a majority.”
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Protesters gather outside PQ watch party
A boisterous group of protesters gathered outside the PQ's main watch party in Montreal as voting entered its final hour.
They chanted slogans critical of police, racism, transphobia and what the PQ's plans to separate would mean for First Nations.
Security was tight with several police officers keeping watch over the crowd.
WATCH LIVE: CTV News Montreal special broadcast at 7 p.m.
Beginning at 7 p.m. on Oct. 5, CTV will air a special election broadcast on Crave, on CTVNewsMontreal.ca, on CJAD 800 Radio, and on our YouTube and X accounts. It will also stream on the CTV News TikTok account.
CTV News Montreal anchor Mutsumi Takahashi will host the one-hour, live pre-show special, featuring insight and analysis from Martine St-Victor, a communications strategist and general manager of Edelman, Sébastien Dallaire, a chief insights officer at Leger Marketing, and David Heurtel, political analyst and former Quebec Liberal cabinet minister.
CTV News Montreal reporters will also provide updates from the five main party headquarters, and CTV News anchor Maya Johnson will have expert analysis from political analyst Raphael Melançon and Rupen Seoni, chief client officer at Environics Analytics.
CTV News Montreal anchor Mutsumi Takahashi will host the one-hour, live pre-show special, featuring insight and analysis from Martine St-Victor, a communications strategist and general manager of Edelman, Sébastien Dallaire, a chief insights officer at Leger Marketing, and David Heurtel, political analyst and former Quebec Liberal cabinet minister.
CTV News Montreal reporters will also provide updates from the five main party headquarters, and CTV News anchor Maya Johnson will have expert analysis from political analyst Raphael Melançon and Rupen Seoni, chief client officer at Environics Analytics.
Former PQ leader predicts minority government
Former Parti Québécois leader Jean-François Lisée says Quebecers will “most probably” elect a minority PQ government.
Speaking with CTV Power Play host Vassy Kapelos, he described governing without a majority as “a delicate task,” but said the PQ could build support for individual measures by working with other parties.
Lisée also said people in Quebec want change but attempts to make the campaign about U.S. President Donald Trump did not resonate as it did in the federal election.
“It has been about change and that was the bad news for the outgoing Premier Christine Fréchette,” he said. “She wanted to make this election about Donald Trump, as (Prime Minister Mark) Carney did with great success last year, and it kind of worked for the first week, but the appetite for change has been growing.
“The Trump card didn't work as well for her as it did for Mr. Carney,” Lisée added.
Speaking with CTV Power Play host Vassy Kapelos, he described governing without a majority as “a delicate task,” but said the PQ could build support for individual measures by working with other parties.
Lisée also said people in Quebec want change but attempts to make the campaign about U.S. President Donald Trump did not resonate as it did in the federal election.
“It has been about change and that was the bad news for the outgoing Premier Christine Fréchette,” he said. “She wanted to make this election about Donald Trump, as (Prime Minister Mark) Carney did with great success last year, and it kind of worked for the first week, but the appetite for change has been growing.
“The Trump card didn't work as well for her as it did for Mr. Carney,” Lisée added.
Quebec government denied appeal
Quebec’s Court of Appeal on Monday denied the government’s request to appeal a judgment ordering Élections Québec to send bilingual voter reminder cards in English and French ahead of the general election.
Justice Sylvain Lussier suspended the Charter of the French Language on Sept. 16 for 10 days, then again, several days later, until the Quebec election on Oct. 5, to allow the independent electoral agency to send bilingual voter reminder cards.
The Quebec government sought to appeal these two judgments, but Justice Patrick Healy denied its request.
In the judgment obtained by CTV News, Healy wrote that the court generally will not interfere with a judge’s temporary decision unless there are exceptional circumstances.
In the judgment obtained by CTV News, Healy wrote that the court generally will not interfere with a judge’s temporary decision unless there are exceptional circumstances.
What to watch for as the votes come in
Political analyst Raphael Melancon speaks about what to watch for as the votes come in on election night, including whether the Parti Québécois will achieve its goal of a majority government.
Watch the interview.
Watch the interview.
45% of Quebecers have voted so far
Élections Québec's preliminary voter turnout results show that 45.06 per cent of Quebecers had voted as of 5:11 p.m.
The agency reported that 25.6 per cent of Quebecers voted in advance polls, compared with 24.8 per cent in the 2022 general election.
The agency reported that 25.6 per cent of Quebecers voted in advance polls, compared with 24.8 per cent in the 2022 general election.
Voter turnout was 66.15 per cent in the 2022 provincial election.
Final voter turnout is determined once the votes have been counted or after a judicial recount.
Final voter turnout is determined once the votes have been counted or after a judicial recount.
Leaders vote
The leaders of all the major parties voted in their ridings.
CAQ leader Christine Fréchette is running in Trois-Rivières.
PQ leader Pierre St-Pierre Plamondon is running in Camille-Laurin in Montreal.
Liberal leader Charles Milliard is running in the Eastern Townships riding of Orford.
Quebec solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal is running in Mercier in Montreal.
Conservative leader Éric Duhaime is running in Bellechasse, south of Quebec City.
CAQ leader Christine Fréchette is running in Trois-Rivières.
PQ leader Pierre St-Pierre Plamondon is running in Camille-Laurin in Montreal.
Liberal leader Charles Milliard is running in the Eastern Townships riding of Orford.
Quebec solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal is running in Mercier in Montreal.
Conservative leader Éric Duhaime is running in Bellechasse, south of Quebec City.
Voters head to the polls across the country
It's decision day in Quebec and CTV News Montreal reporter Denise Roberts was at polling stations to speak with voters.
Watch the video below.
Watch the video below.
Election could be ‘very devastating’ for Fréchette: analyst
Political analyst Daniel Tran says he expects a “very, very close” race and believes election night could mark a “really good” moment in Quebec political history.
“It was a 39-day campaign, with five parties above the 10 per cent mark and for the first time in history, 127 ridings instead of 125,” he told CTV News Channel. “So, a lot of new rules, a lot of possibilities start to emerge.”
Tran said one likely possibility is the Parti Québécois (PQ) unseating the governing Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ).
“The latest polls have shown a tendency for the possible extinction of the current governing party, the CAQ, led by incumbent Premier Christine Fréchette, which would be very devastating for her and devastating for the party,” he said.
Tran said Quebecers may be experiencing "voter fatigue" after eight years of a CAQ government, and added that pressure on Fréchette to rebrand the party in the face of tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump added obstacles to her campaign.
Duhaime votes
Éric Duhaime, leader of the Quebec Conservative Party, casts his ballot in his riding of Bellechasse in the city of Sainte-Claire, Que., on election day.
Quebec Conservative Party Leader Eric Duhaime casts his ballot in his riding of Bellechasse in the city of Sainte-Claire, Quebec on Monday Oct. 5, 2026. . Karoline Boucher/The Canadian Press
Nearly 30% of Quebecers have voted so far
Élections Québec's preliminary voter turnout results show that 29.79 per cent of Quebecers had voted as of 12:22 p.m.
The agency reported that 25.6 per cent of Quebecers voted in advance polls.
Final voter turnout is determined once the votes have been counted or after a judicial recount. It becomes official after the declaration of the election, which takes place four days after the votes are counted, if no request for a judicial recount is made during that period.
The agency reported that 25.6 per cent of Quebecers voted in advance polls.
Final voter turnout is determined once the votes have been counted or after a judicial recount. It becomes official after the declaration of the election, which takes place four days after the votes are counted, if no request for a judicial recount is made during that period.
Voters express accessibility concerns
Claude Benchimol, 84, who uses a wheelchair, went to vote at Carrefour Multisport in Laval but was frustrated to learn his polling station wasn't accessible.
Benchimol told CTV News that there were several steps at the front entrance, making it impossible to enter. He took an elevator to the ground floor, but found additional steps leading to the voting room. Élections Québec staff had to direct him to another entrance and lift his wheelchair over two beams to the voting room.
“It was not a pleasant experience,” Benchimol said.
Élections Québec said 94 per cent of polling stations are accessible to people with impaired mobility.
It also stated that sites are equipped with tools to help people who may have limitations, including a lighted magnifying glass, a pencil with a grip for easier handling, a clipboard, a braille voting template, large-print posters of candidates and a tool with pictograms to facilitate communication between election officers and people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
It also stated that sites are equipped with tools to help people who may have limitations, including a lighted magnifying glass, a pencil with a grip for easier handling, a clipboard, a braille voting template, large-print posters of candidates and a tool with pictograms to facilitate communication between election officers and people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
“This means six per cent of stations may have obstacles for some people. So, we invite electors to check on our website if their polling place is accessible, and if it's not, there will be indications regarding the characteristics of the site to help people see for their own situation if there's an obstacle or not,” Élections Québec spokesperson Julie St-Arnaud-Drolet said in an interview with CTV News.
“If your polling place is not accessible to you, you can contact the returning officer of your electoral division, and they may allow you to vote in another place that is accessible.”
Will a sovereignty referendum sway voters?
Daniel Béland, director of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada, says support for political parties remains fragmented across Quebec, with the province's sovereignty debate top of mind for many voters.
According to Béland, support for Quebec sovereignty sits at about 30 per cent, a historically low level, while roughly 65 to 70 per cent of Quebecers oppose a third referendum.
That split, he says, could prompt some voters to cast their ballots strategically to prevent a Parti Québécois (PQ) majority government.
“Strategic voting is not as common as people think. But it's certainly at play today, especially because people are expecting the PQ to win,” he told CTV News Channel on Monday.
“There are a lot of people who are really concerned about the possibility of a PQ majority government because, in that case, it would be much easier for them to pull the trigger on a third referendum, although they have said that would not happen before (U.S. President Donald) Trump leaves the White House.
Quebecers line up before stations open
Many Quebecers were lining up before polling stations opened at 9:30 a.m., according to Élections Québec.
“A lot of electors were there before opening hours, so people are ready to exercise their right to vote and we’re really happy about that,” Élections Québec spokesperson Julie St-Arnaud-Drolet said in an interview with CTV News.
Nearly 26 per cent of Quebecers voted in advance polling, in line with the last provincial election in 2022, the independent electoral agency said.
It added that voting today should generally be quick, as there are four times more polling stations than during advance polling.
It added that voting today should generally be quick, as there are four times more polling stations than during advance polling.
“Peak hours are usually at the opening of polling stations, at noon, and after work hours, so if a person can be there mid-afternoon or after dinner, those periods should be less busy,” St-Arnaud-Drolet said.
Élections Québec said there are no reports so far of violations of polling station rules.
According to the agency, electors must follow several rules when exercising their right to vote to ensure that poll stations remain neutral.
Some of these rules include not expressing support or opposition for any party or candidate.
According to the agency, electors must follow several rules when exercising their right to vote to ensure that poll stations remain neutral.
Some of these rules include not expressing support or opposition for any party or candidate.
“Electors must know that when they are in the polling places, they cannot promote a party or a candidate. Polling stations must be neutral and impartial. So, it's not a place to let people know for who you want to vote,” she said.
Polling stations close at 8 p.m.
Polling stations close at 8 p.m.
A woman votes at a polling station in Quebec City, Monday, October 3, 2022. . Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press
Milliard votes
Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) Leader Charles Milliard casts his vote on election day in North Hatley, in the Eastern Townships.
Quebec Liberal Party Leader Charles Milliard casts his vote on election day in North Hatley, Que., on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
'An interesting race': Nanos
Nik Nanos, founder and chief data scientist at Nanos Research, says it has been “an interesting race” in Quebec, with the province being one of the few provinces with a "boatload of parties."
Of the five parties, the CTV News pollster says polling from recent days has indicated the Parti Québécois is either first or second “basically in every region” of the province.
“That's why they have the upper hand, and that's why at least they're projected to win government and the greatest number of seats. The big question is how big will that win potentially be?”
Since the start of the campaign, Nanos says the biggest shift in the polls has been support moving from the incumbent Coalition Avenir Québec to the provincial Conservatives, while support for the Parti Québécois and the Liberals has remained relatively steady.
Fréchette casts ballot
Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) Leader Christine Fréchette visits her polling station in Trois-Rivières on Monday morning to cast her ballot.
CAQ Leader Christine Frechette casts her ballot at the polling office in Trois-Rivieres, Que. on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
PSPP 'excited yet calm' while voting
At 10 a.m., Parti Québécois (PQ) Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon cast his ballot in his riding of Camille-Laurin in eastern Montreal.
He described himself as “excited yet calm.”
PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon casts his ballot on election day in Montreal, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Sovereignty questions loom over Quebec businesses
Quebec’s business community is taking notice as polls show the Parti Québécois seizing a firm lead with the provincial election in full swing.
PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has pledged to hold a referendum within his first mandate, though not before U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office.
Sébastien Lachaine, Quebec director at lobbying firm Sussex Strategy, says the uncertainty heralded by a referendum on the horizon amounts to a “cloud” over Quebec companies.
How to watch the election live on CTV News
Quebecers are heading to the polls on Oct. 5 in what could be a consequential provincial election. CTV News will be the place to watch all the action unfold live.
Beginning at 7 p.m. on Oct. 5, CTV will air a special election broadcast on Crave, on CTVNewsMontreal.ca, on CJAD 800 Radio, and on our YouTube, TikTok, and X accounts.
Joe Lofaro breaks down all the details for you here.
Beginning at 7 p.m. on Oct. 5, CTV will air a special election broadcast on Crave, on CTVNewsMontreal.ca, on CJAD 800 Radio, and on our YouTube, TikTok, and X accounts.
Joe Lofaro breaks down all the details for you here.
Voting today? What you need to know
It’s election day in Quebec, after a 39-day-long campaign that saw party leaders battle over sovereignty, the cost of living and more. If you’re planning to vote today, digital reporter Rachel Lau has broken down everything you need to know, including when and where:
Tom Mulcair: A turning point for Canada
Monday’s election in Quebec, more than any other in a generation, could have a determining effect on the future of our lives together and on Canada itself, political commentator Tom Mulcair, former leader of the federal New Democratic Party, writes for CTVNews.ca.
An excerpt from his exclusive column:
I get it, just talking about a complex Quebec general election is enough to send people scrambling for the mute button.
But there really is something unique happening in the run-up to Monday’s vote in La Belle province that other Canadians should keep an eye on. I guess that many of us just shrug our shoulders and say that the threat of separation has been background noise in Canada since the Parti Québécois was first elected exactly 50 years ago in 1976. Who cares, eh?
An excerpt from his exclusive column:
I get it, just talking about a complex Quebec general election is enough to send people scrambling for the mute button.
But there really is something unique happening in the run-up to Monday’s vote in La Belle province that other Canadians should keep an eye on. I guess that many of us just shrug our shoulders and say that the threat of separation has been background noise in Canada since the Parti Québécois was first elected exactly 50 years ago in 1976. Who cares, eh?
The Parti Québécois is set to win on Monday and its headstrong leader, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon (or PSPP as he is known), is promising a destructive push for a referendum and a unilateral declaration of independence, even if he only gets a minority.
That would fly in the face of the Canadian constitution and the Supreme Court ruling on secession, but that’s not the type of subtlety that will stop PSPP or the hard-bitten, right-wing nationalists who are the core of his team.
That would fly in the face of the Canadian constitution and the Supreme Court ruling on secession, but that’s not the type of subtlety that will stop PSPP or the hard-bitten, right-wing nationalists who are the core of his team.
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