The Eric Duhaime-led Conservative Party stands firm with its chosen strategy

Conservative Leader Eric Duhaime Vows to Run Again in Arthabaska-L'Érable

After a disappointing defeat in the 2018 elections, the Conservative Party saw a significant boost in support in the riding of Arthabaska-L'Érable, with Eric Duhaime at the helm. The party obtained 2% of the votes in 2018, 24% in the 2022 elections, and 35% on August 11th.

Despite this progress, Duhaime expressed his disappointment about the defeat in the 2022 elections, stating, "I was very disappointed. We believed in it." However, he remains optimistic about the party's future, advocating for individual freedom and a reduction in the state's role.

Duhaime has suggested reforming the Societé de l'assurance automobile du Québec to hand over its main activities to the private sector. He believes this change would lead to a more efficient and effective system.

The Quebec Conservative Party gathered over 530,000 votes in the 2022 general elections but did not win any seats. Duhaime has no intention of changing or softening his message in the coming months. He believes that a party progressing normally is not the party that has the most willingness to change its message.

Duhaime was defeated in Arthabaska-L'Érable by the Québec Parti in his attempt to bring his party into the National Assembly this summer. However, he will hold a meeting with his supporters in Arthabaska-L'Érable on Thursday evening to analyze the results of the by-election in depth.

Duhaime has not ruled out running again in Arthabaska-L'Érable for the 2026 general elections. He stated, "What I said during the electoral campaign was that I would run in the general election in the riding if I was elected." Regarding the by-election that will take place in Chicoutimi to replace Minister Andrée Laforest, Duhaime has not expressed his intentions.

Duhaime believes the party's message needs refinement, but they are on the right track. No decision has been made yet about Duhaime's future political plans, with the leader stating, "Clearly, that was not the case. So, from now on, we need to make a decision, and we will make it in the coming weeks."