Quebec government to table bill banning vote-buying in leadership races

QUÉBEC — The Quebec government will table a bill on Friday to ban vote-buying in political party leadership races, following allegations involving the provincial Liberal party.

Jean-François Roberge, the minister responsible for democratic institutions, said Thursday it’s “obvious” new legislation is required.

The move comes after Le Journal de Montréal published alleged text messages last month suggesting some party members who voted for Liberal Leader Pablo Rodriguez during a leadership race earlier this year could have received cash rewards.

To the surprise of many lawmakers, Élections Québec then revealed that the province’s Elections Act does not prohibit people from making donations in exchange for votes. The practice is therefore permitted, provided that all of a candidate’s expenses are compiled in a report submitted to Quebec’s chief electoral officer.

“It was clear that we had to act,” Roberge told reporters in Quebec City on Thursday. “We were agile and quick, and I am happy to fill that gap.” He said he expects all opposition parties to support the bill so that it can be passed by the end of the legislative session on Dec. 12.

The new legislation would also apply to municipal elections and nomination races. The existing law already prohibits paying money in exchange for votes during general elections and byelections.

On Thursday, Liberal and Parti Québécois members of the provincial legislature said they would co-operate with the government to pass the bill.

Meanwhile, the Liberal party has launched an investigation to shed light on the anonymous text messages published by Le Journal de Montréal. Rodriguez has questioned whether the messages were real or falsified, but has said anyone found to have engaged in such activity will be kicked out of the party.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 4, 2025.

Caroline Plante, The Canadian Press