Charles Milliard, whom many see as a possible candidate for leadership of the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ), will leave his position as president and general manager of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Quebec (FCCQ) next month.
The FCCQ made the announcement Tuesday morning, affirming that Mr. Milliard had “expressed his intention to devote himself to other professional projects.”
In a statement, Mr. Milliard thanked all his colleagues, saying that “life [le poussait] towards other paths”, without specifying which ones.
The president and CEO will officially bow out on July 1, and will offer advice for his successor until August 31.
Charles Milliard is one of the candidates expected to run for the leadership of the PLQ, whose race will be officially launched next January.
During the last general council of the PLQ, at the end of May, several liberals, including young activists, praised the qualities of Mr. Milliard.
“Charles Milliard would be a very good candidate. I look at its economic profile. We have always been, basically, an economic party,” declared André Fortin, MP and former Liberal minister.
Leadership candidates have until next April to submit their candidacy for the election of a new leader in June 2025.
The MP for Marguerite-Bourgeoys, Frédéric Beauchemin, and the former mayor of Montreal Denis Coderre are openly in reflection.
In addition to that of Mr. Milliard, other names are circulating, including that of the federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne.