Quebec News | Drop for 2026-02-19

TL;DR

  • Charles Milliard was acclaimed leader of the Quebec Liberal Party on Feb 13 and immediately named his House team the next day. (ca.news.yahoo.com)
  • CAQ leadership race sharpened: Christine Fréchette pledged a temporary PEQ reopening with a grandfather clause, while Bernard Drainville urged limiting the leadership vote to Canadian citizens. (journaldemontreal.com)
  • Bill 1 (“Constitution of Québec”) hearings continued; Quebec’s human-rights commission (CDPDJ) warned of serious rule‑of‑law risks and proposed changes. (cdpdj.qc.ca)
  • Hydro‑Québec’s new wind‑power procurement is in public consultation until Feb 27, shaping a spring 2026 request for proposals. (hydroquebec.com)
  • Quebec cinema at Berlinale: Geneviève Dulude‑De Celles’ Nina Roza premiered in Competition (Feb 16) and Jérémy Comte’s Paradise bowed in Panorama (Feb 14); early trade/critic coverage highlights strong showings. (journaldemontreal.com)

Charles Milliard acclaimed PLQ leader; caucus roles set

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • Charles Milliard was acclaimed leader of the Quebec Liberal Party on Feb 13, 2026, after no other candidates qualified by the deadline. (ca.news.yahoo.com)
  • Important context and background information
    • The PLQ had been under interim leadership since Pablo Rodriguez resigned in Dec 2025. Acclamation stabilizes the Official Opposition ahead of the Oct 2026 election. (ca.news.yahoo.com)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • On Feb 14, Milliard named André Fortin as parliamentary leader and assigned critic roles across the caucus. (quebec.ca)

CAQ leadership: immigration pivot and voter‑eligibility fight

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • Christine Fréchette promised to temporarily reopen the PEQ and add a “grandfather clause” for those in Quebec when the program was shut, offsetting by dialing back PSTQ invitations. (journaldemontreal.com)
  • Important context and background information
    • The PEQ reversal follows pushback from cities and business groups; Immigration Minister Jean‑François Roberge signaled work on “transition scenarios” the next day. (journaldemontreal.com)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • Bernard Drainville called for restricting the April leadership vote to Canadian citizens, spotlighting internal rules that currently allow members domiciled six months in Quebec to participate. (ca.news.yahoo.com)

Bill 1 (“Constitution of Québec”): rights watchdog flags major risks

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • At Feb 11 hearings, the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse warned Bill 1 could erode the Charter’s place, constrain courts, and weaken rights protections, and set out recommendations. (cdpdj.qc.ca)
  • Important context and background information
    • This follows earlier cautions by the Barreau du Québec about separation of powers and legal predictability, underscoring broad institutional concern. (barreau.qc.ca)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • With February hearings underway, amendments (if any) will be tested before clause‑by‑clause study later this session. (cdpdj.qc.ca)

Hydro‑Québec wind power: consultation window closes Feb 27

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • Hydro‑Québec’s consultation for its next wind‑power acquisition (A/O 2026‑01, horizon 2031–2038) runs through Feb 27, with pre‑RFP technical sessions slated for April. (hydroquebec.com)
  • Important context and background information
    • The utility aims to refine criteria (community support, Quebec content, integration) before opening registrations and issuing the call in spring 2026. (hydroquebec.com)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • Stakeholders (municipalities, Indigenous partners, developers) can still file input that may shape procurement design and timelines. (hydroquebec.com)

Quebec cinema at Berlinale: Competition and Panorama premieres

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • Nina Roza (Geneviève Dulude‑De Celles) premiered in the Berlinale Competition on Feb 16; Paradise (Jérémy Comte) premiered in Panorama on Feb 14. (journaldemontreal.com)
  • Important context and background information
    • Trade previews flagged both titles among notable Quebec entries; Paradise marks Comte’s feature debut after the Oscar‑nominated short Fauve. (filmsquebec.com)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • Early critic notes from Berlin point to positive receptions and international visibility for Quebec creators during the Feb 12–22 festival. (screendaily.com)