Legault’s cards for the ministerial reshuffle

The Prime Minister was surprised to learn that only 11 CAQ elected officials would keep their seats if elections took place today, according to the poll aggregator Québec125. François Legault has been patient since his accession to power and has used this lever of change that constitutes a reshuffle very sparingly. It could occur before the summer vacation, or upon return, for the fall. Shuffling the cards of the council of ministers can have a positive impact. It will not be a miracle cure, since he himself strongly contributed to the fall of his party. Here is an overview of the state of forces of the current CAQ ministerial team.

Can the worn-out pillars move?

Christian Dubé, Eric Girard, Pierre Fitzgibbon

The Minister of Health will set up his agency in the coming weeks to help him land his reform. Just like the veterans in Finance and Economy/Energy, he could be happier outside of politics. Fitz will table his bill on the use of electricity and continues the deployment of the battery sector, but seems annoyed by the limits set for it. The difficult financial context is altering the motivation of the financier, angry since his mistake with the Kings. The three pillars are difficult to move, but Girard sent a strange message by saying that his successor will surely be a woman.

Safe values

Sonia LeBel, Simon Jolin-Barrette, Jean Boulet

Here are three efficient ministers, capable of maneuvering in difficult conditions, without embarrassing the government. Aside from a single unfortunate statement about immigrants campaigning in 2022, the Labor incumbent is doing well. He shows again with the construction reform that he can manage complex files with his skills as a negotiator. Jolin-Barrette transforms the justice system in a lasting way and allows great progress for family law. The President of the Treasury Board will gain visibility when she is given the opportunity to make another call after years of negotiations. In all three cases, whatever mission they are entrusted with, they will carry it out successfully.

The divisive duo

Geneviève Guilbault, Bernard Drainville

The two strong personalities have their fans and also many detractors. They were sunk by the saga of 3^e Quebec-Lévis link and still bear the stigmata. The Deputy Prime Minister entered the jet set, but her star faded through controversies and the exhibition of a sometimes casual attitude. It will soon have the opportunity to show what it is capable of with the creation of a transport agency. The former presenter and journalist is not a bad Minister of Education, but he has a tendency to slip on banana peels.

The nice surprise

Christine Fréchette

An excellent communicator, she has a perfect understanding of the workings of immigration. Did not make any missteps in a delicate matter. The ex-PQ surely scored points in the eyes of François Legault and his entourage. The PM could be tempted to give him a mandate allowing him to shine more.

Below expectations

France-Élaine Duranceau

No one expected the CAQ to get behind all of FRAPRU’s housing demands. On the other hand, the political recruit will have difficulty getting rid of a pro-owner image that sticks to him. Perhaps a mission linked to economics would suit him more.

The underutilized

Pascale Déry

The announcement on the increase in tuition fees for English-speaking universities was poorly put together, but in terms of communications, it has a certainty that could be better exploited.

Yes, but…

François Bonnardel

The Minister of Public Safety has been very present during various disasters, but he frequently disappears from the radar screens! Elected for 17 years, does he still have the sacred fire?

It is time to move on

Benoit Charette, Andrée Laforest

At the Environment for six years, Charette seems to have little weight in government to position itself as a “green” bulwark in the face of economic considerations. The regional minister of “Sag-Lac” has also had the same responsibilities since 2018. A new counterpart for the mayors would bring a little freshness.

Waiting for results

Jean-François Roberge, Mathieu Lacombe

The former Minister of Education seems comfortable in his missions linked to nationalism. But, whether it is the language plan, or on the Lacombe side, the support for the media, the greater place of works from here on the distribution platforms, the Blue Spaces, despite announced good intentions, we are still waiting for concrete elements.

Invisibles

Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Maité Blanchette Vézina, Jonatan Julien, Chantal Rouleau

The Minister of Employment, a rookie in politics, has done nothing to stand out. Certain small ministries obviously provide much less visibility. However, we have not seen a sense of initiative and progress in these missions. For Julien, no progress for the National Capital, and nothing for the moment in terms of Infrastructure. Ministers in this category could be victims of the reshuffle, unless they are retained for considerations of regional representation.