Bulletin
Resignation of Premier François Legault

Being Premier of Quebec is an immense responsibility. Few people are prepared to expose themselves, for so long, to crises, criticism, and constant public scrutiny. One can question the Legault government’s record without disparaging the office itself. And without claiming that everything has been negative, it must be acknowledged that, over the past year, the government’s approach has shifted toward a more closed and abrasive style of governance, where unilateral decisions have too often replaced listening and consultation.

François Legault’s resignation comes at a time of marked political fatigue for the CAQ, which is at its lowest point in the polls and now entering a leadership race. During this transition, the premier has indicated that he will remain in office until a new leader is appointed.

Restoring social dialogue

Several labour organizations have welcomed this departure as the end of a cycle of confrontation and are clearly calling for a return to consultation. In its statement, the QFL speaks of an urgent need to reconnect with the population and to restore social dialogue, while also calling for the abandonment of policies that have created disorder in recent months.

In the same vein, QFL President Magali Picard stressed that the labour movement will not be silenced by bills aimed at restricting collective action:  “No bill, nothing will silence the FTQ.”

Behind the rhetoric, the message is simple: workers need a government that listens, negotiates, and stops governing against the very people it is meant to represent.

What does this change?

For now, the machinery of government continues to function. Files are moving forward, bills are progressing through the parliamentary process, and negotiations and disputes continue. From an administrative standpoint, the premier’s resignation does not automatically stop government operations.

That said, this period opens a zone of political turbulence: a government that remains in place but is weakened and a is searching for a second wind.

What about the controversial bills?

A sudden shift should not be expected.

In an interview on 24 heures en 60 minutes, Labour Minister Jean Boulet appeared firmly entrenched in his positions. Despite several attempts by host Anne-Marie Dussault to prompt a shift in tone, the minister remained aligned with the same message he has repeated for months, leaving little room for the possibility of change in the short term.

In other words, until a new CAQ leader is chosen, all signs suggest that the Minister of Labour will maintain his current course. The real turning point, if one is to come, will occur later, when the new political leadership sets its priorities, its tone, and above all, its willingness (or unwillingness) to reconnect with labour organizations.

Remaining vigilant without falling into cynicism

François Legault’s resignation is not a reason to let our guard down. On the contrary. The coming months will reveal whether the CAQ chooses the path of openness and compromise, or whether it continues down a road of governing by force.

Our role, as labour movement, is to remain vigilant and to reaffirm a simple truth: workers are the driving force behind Quebec. If the government truly wishes to demonstrate a willingness to restore trust and openness, it must engage in genuine dialogue through real meetings, real discussions, real compromises and abandon initiatives designed to weaken countervailing powers and erode the rule of law.