Marc-Olivier Fortin: The CAQ’s fear-of-Trump campaign starts to crumble

Photo: Tom Fisk / Pexels The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) is facing challenges in its campaign strategy as the focus on U.S. political dynamics and tariff threats has not stabilized its standing in the Quebec election race. According to political columnist Marc-Olivier Fortin, the CAQ’s strategy of emphasizing Donald Trump as a central campaign issue appears to be faltering. Current polling indicates a decline in support for the CAQ, with the Parti Québécois maintaining a lead and the CAQ trailing behind the Quebec Liberals in some surveys. This situation suggests a shift in voter sentiment that could impact the party’s prospects in the upcoming election. In the prediction markets, Bernard Drainville’s chances of becoming the next Premier of Quebec have seen a moderate decrease. The odds for Drainville, a senior CAQ figure, have dropped, reflecting the party’s current electoral challenges. Meanwhile, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon of the Parti Québécois is leading the market at 82% YES, indicating strong support for his potential premiership. The CAQ’s current strategy may need adjustment to regain footing in the tight race before the October 2026 election. Key Takeaways The CAQ’s Trump...