Quebec Minister Mathieu Lacombe Expelled From CAQ After Attending PQ Victory Party

Mathieu Lacombe, the outgoing Minister of Culture and Communications, was expelled from the Coalition Avenir Québec and the outgoing Cabinet on October 8, 2026, after attending a Parti québécois electoral victory party at Espace St-Denis in Montreal. TVA Nouvelles reported that Rodolphe Husny characterized the appearance as a “gros manque de jugement”, triggering swift disciplinary action from the governing party.

Excuses Offered for Attendance at the Espace St-Denis Gathering

Lacombe took to the American social media network X to issue a public apology for his presence at the October 5 event. According to La Presse, he explained that he attended the gathering to celebrate the victory of individuals he respects and with whom he has forged bonds over the years. Lundi soir, j’ai participé à un rassemblement du Parti québécois afin de souligner la victoire de personnes que j’estime et avec qui j’ai tissé des liens au fil des années, he wrote, adding that en politique, au-delà des lignes de parti, il existe aussi de belles amitiés. That being said, despite my decision to leave politics, I was still holding my duties. I should not have been present at this event, Lacombe wrote, offering sincere apologies to militants, colleagues, and friends.

Radio-Canada confirmed that Lacombe traveled spontaneously to the venue to greet acquaintances across party lines. He previously announced on June 18, 2026, that he would not seek a new mandate in the riding of Papineau, concluding two terms under the CAQ banner.

Immediate Expulsion from Caucus and Cabinet

The office of outgoing Premier Christine Fréchette responded to the incident by stripping Lacombe of his ministerial portfolio, his government limousine, and his party membership card. Radio-Canada reported that the party adopted a formal resolution on October 8, 2026, to remove Lacombe for a grave breach of the party constitution regarding solidarity and respect.

Cabinet officials noted that a replacement minister of Culture and Communications would be appointed to serve for the brief transitional period of less than two weeks, with outgoing Premier Christine Fréchette stating that a new person will be named to the post out of respect for militants, the caucus, and the Council of ministers. Paul St-Pierre Plamondon prepares to form his incoming cabinet, with the official swearing-in expected on October 21, 2026, as government chiefs of staff maintain operations until that date.

Condemnation from Political Analysts and Party Figures

Rodolphe Husny publicly labeled the decision to attend the opposition celebration as a major lapse in political awareness. Meanwhile, La Presse noted that the appearance generated surprise among Parti québécois members and direct consternation among CAQ loyalists who suffered a comprehensive defeat in the election.

Radio-Canada highlighted a notable statement made by Lacombe on May 26, 2026, when he stated during a media scrum that he would vote “yes” in any hypothetical future sovereignty referendum, despite serving as a minister in a party that officially rejects the option of the sovereignty of Quebec.

Transition Timelines and Cabinet Formation

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon convened both winning and defeated candidates in Drummondville on Friday, October 9, 2026, to organize the transition of power. Because the CAQ was entirely swept out of seats during the vote, the outgoing administration functions in a caretaker capacity while executive responsibilities transfer to the incoming administration.

Questions remain regarding the exact composition of the incoming Parti québécois cabinet and the specific interim appointment designated to oversee cultural affairs until the October 21 transition date.