Signs of cracks in CAQ unity in wake of Fréchette unveiling her cabinet

QUEBEC — There are signs all is not well with some Coalition Avenir Québec MNAs following the announcement of Premier Christine Fréchette’s new cabinet Tuesday.

Radio-Canada reported Wednesday that as many as six CAQ MNAs are questioning their future in the party because they are dissatisfied or disappointed they did not get a post.

The story is based on unnamed sources and the MNAs are not named. None have actually quit, but the rumour mill is turning at the legislature.

To date, Shirley Dorismond, the CAQ MNA for the Montreal South Shore riding of Marie-Victorin, has gone public to express her disappointment.

In a statement posted on social media Tuesday, Dorismond, who supported candidate Bernard Drainville in the recent leadership race, said she was questioning the structure of the new cabinet and how well her voters are represented in the Fréchette government.

“I will take the necessary time with my family to reflect on what’s next,” Dorismond said.

Dorismond has not spoken to the media since her post. There have been reports that she had hoped to be named health minister. The job went to Sonia Bélanger.

Dorismond was first elected as a CAQ MNA in a 2022 byelection.

La Presse has also reported that seven political chiefs of staff who backed and worked for Drainville in the race have also decided to resign.

Drainville, who was handed the high profile job of minister for the economy, innovation and energy by Fréchette, has rallied behind her leadership.

On Tuesday, he said most of his supporters are now with Fréchette.

“For the most part the rallying has gone well, but there are others who will need more time,” Drainville told reporters.

After the swearing in ceremony Tuesday, Samuel Poulin, another Drainville supporter who bagged the job of minister of municipal affairs, insisted the party is united.

“The rallying process has been a success,” Poulin told reporters. “The goal was to unite everyone and I sense everyone is behind Mme. Fréchette.”

Fréchette has not commented on the rumours. She is to meet Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada later Wednesday.

This story will be updated.

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