To be nominated, a candidate paid a $20,000 non-refundable registration fee and submitted signatures of 1,500 party members from the provinces 45 different ridings in Quebec's seven regions by June 30, 2016. The campaign spending limit was $200,000 per candidate.[1]
May 7, 2016 - The party's executive council decides that the leadership election will be held between September 15 and October 15, 2016.[4]
May 28–29, 2016 - Leadership election rules and timetable to be finalized at a meeting of riding association presidents in Drummondville, Quebec.[5][6]
June 30, 2016 - Deadline for candidates to be nominated and to make first deposit of $10,000.[1]
August 30, 2016 - Deadline for second deposit of $10,000.[7]
October 5–7, 2016 - Voting takes place online and by phone using a preferential ballot.[1]
October 7, 2016 - Results announced at a rally in Quebec City.[1]
MNA for Lac-Saint-Jean (2007–present), Minister for Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs, the Canadian Francophonie and Sovereignist Governance (2012–2014), second-place finisher in 2015 leadership election.
Other prominent supporters: Bernard Landry (Former Premier of Quebec)
Policies: Does not intend to call a sovereignty referendum until a PQ government's second term, if there is a 'groundswell' of support. Says education is a priority and also supports measures to keep corporate head offices from leaving Quebec. Also supports protecting the French language and entrenching secularism in Quebec's constitution.[8]
MNA for Rosemont (2012–present), Minister of International Relations, La Francophonie and External Trade (2012–2014), former journalist and professor.[14] Ran in 2015 leadership election but withdrew.
Policies: Opposes holding a referendum in a PQ government's first mandate and opposes any government initiatives or public spending to lay the groundwork for sovereignty until a PQ government wins its second mandate. Supports the proposed Quebec Charter of Values and has called for a ban on wearing the niqab and burka in public.[18]
MNA for Vachon (2010–present), Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife (2012–2014), third-place finisher in 2015 leadership election.[15] Worked at Hydro-Québec for 20 years as a mechanical engineer prior to entering politics.[19]
Policies: Wishes to revive social democracy and opposes austerity. Opposes holding a referendum on sovereignty during a PQ government's first mandate and would hold public consultations during a second mandate to gauge whether or not the public is interested. Opposes the Quebec Charter of Values proposed by the former PQ government in 2014.[21]
MNA for Joliette (2008–present), Minister of Social Services and Youth Protection, Minister of the Lanaudière region and Minister responsible for the Die in Dignity commission (2012–2014).[15]
Other prominent supporters: Claude DeBellefeuille, former Bloc Québécois MP (Beauharnois—Salaberry), Gabrielle Lemieux, Advisor on the national executive of the PQ, Paul Crête, Vice-President on the national executive of the PQ, Gabriel Ste-Marie, Bloc Québécois MP (Joliette)
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