Pablo Rodriguez considering bid for Quebec Liberal leadership: sources
CBC
Federal cabinet minister Pablo Rodriguez is seriously considering a bid for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party, Radio-Canada has learned.
The minister of transport is being approached by Liberal supporters in Quebec and Ottawa, sources say.
Sources indicate that Rodriguez is interested in those overtures and is reflecting deeply on the idea. A source close to the negotiations said Rodriguez could be "ready to move on" after two decades in federal politics.
Rodriguez has begun consultations to gauge interest in a possible candidacy. Radio-Canada has learned that he has spoken about the possible bid to his cabinet colleague, François-Philippe Champagne, whose name has also been circulating at varying intensity for several months.
The small group promoting Rodriguez's candidacy argues that he fits the mould for what the provincial party needs in a leader. They praise his knowledge of Quebec issues as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Quebec lieutenant, as well as his skills as an organizer and communicator.
It is believed that his background as the son of an immigrant, a student in Sherbrooke, a member of the youth commission of the Quebec Liberal Party in the 1990s and a federal minister could resonate with Liberal activists. According to one source, he would bring a breath of fresh air to the provincial Liberals.
Asked for comment, the minister did not confirm or deny that he was thinking about a bid.
"As minister of transport and Quebec lieutenant in Justin Trudeau's government, I am proud to work hard for the good of Quebecers and all Canadians. I am sincerely touched by the many requests I have received to return to where it all began for me," Rodriguez said.
The new provincial Liberal leader will be chosen on June 14, 2025, in Quebec City. Former Montreal mayor Denis Coderre is the only officially declared candidate. Several names are circulating, some of whom have publicly expressed interest, including Charles Milliard, head of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Quebec, Victoriaville Mayor Antoine Tardif and Quebec MNA Frédéric Beauchemin.
Friday may have been the first day of spring, but winter storms are not over yet for Newfoundland.
While we officially welcomed spring last week, an incoming system will be a reminder that snow is still very much part of the new season, especially early on.
The future of a national historic site in Fredericton is up for discussion at meetings across New Brunswick in the next few weeks as the Anglican diocese considers what to do about costly repairs needed at Christ Church Cathedral.
Amanda Lathlin, the first First Nations woman to be elected to the legislative assembly in Manitoba's history, has died, the provincial NDP said on Saturday.
CBC's road trip series Land of Living Stories explores inspiring stories of community spirit from across Saskatchewan. In our latest visit, CBC-Radio Canada hit the road to La Ronge. This is the fifth of a multi-part series from that community.
Dozens of people filled Regina's Fresh and Sweet cafe on Saturday to paint, collage and craft their concerns about artificial intelligence by making zines — a type of self-published small booklet, typically created by hand.
Wildfire season has officially started in Alberta. As the snow starts to melt, people are starting to wonder: Will I have to evacuate this year?
Two hikers were rescued near Lions Bay, B.C., on Saturday after slipping down steep, treacherous terrain, according to search and rescue personnel.
Members of the Filipino community on P.E.I. came together over the weekend to enjoy basketball at the Eastern P.E.I. Community Navigators’ second annual tournament.
Spring is heralded by the return of geese, but to many in Alberta's poultry industry, migration means something different.
A federal minister has stepped in to temporarily stop the deportation of a Montreal father and son, a last-minute decision the family's lawyer says underscores growing concerns that Canadian authorities are increasingly and abruptly separating the families of recognized refugees.
Residents in the Greater Toronto Area are noticing gas prices continue to soar and this fuel analyst says that’s not stopping anytime soon.
A group of Inuvik youth are learning how to design and print their own apparel.