QUÉBEC — The first debate in the race to succeed Quebec Premier François Legault as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec took place in Quebec City, with candidates Christine Fréchette and Bernard Drainville facing off.

Saturday’s discussion touched on the economy, public finances, infrastructure, transport, regional development and relations between Canada and the U.S.

Tensions flared over the proposed “third link,” a new St. Lawrence River bridge meant to connect Quebec City and Lévis and ease congestion on existing crossings, with Fréchette saying Drainville’s preferred route was ego-driven and Drainville responding that she was blocking the project with too many conditions.

Fréchette said her proposed corridor farther east would involve private-sector partnership and local consultation, while Drainville urged respect and cautioned against personal attacks.

About 300 people attended the debate at the Espace Saint-Grégoire, a converted church in Québec City, and the event was also streamed online.

The CAQ has just under 20,600 members eligible to vote for the new leader; the deadline to join, which comes with the right to vote, was March 13, and the party is expected to announce the new leader on April 12.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on March 21, 2026.

Thomas Laberge, The Canadian Press