When is the Quebec election and who is running?
Quebec holds its provincial general election on 5 October 2026, following the dissolution of the National Assembly on 27 August, with Élections Québec administering the vote for approximately 6.4 million registered voters. Advance voting took place on 27 and 28 September. The Quebec election 2026 is contested mainly by five parties: the Parti Québécois (PQ) under Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, the governing Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) under Christine Fréchette, the Parti libéral du Québec under Charles Milliard, the Parti conservateur du Québec under Éric Duhaime, and Québec solidaire. A Pallas Data poll on 19 September put the PQ at 28 percent, while a Synopsis-La Presse survey released on 27 September showed it at 30 percent, with CAQ support falling sharply to 17 percent. Individual surveys vary considerably.
What are the voting hours and employer obligations on polling day?
General polling day is Monday, 5 October, with polling stations open from 0930 hours to 2000 hours local time across the province. It is a normal working day rather than a statutory holiday. Employees working in Quebec are entitled to four consecutive hours to vote without loss of pay or other penalties, provided they need the time and do not already have four consecutive hours available during polling hours; the provision applies to both full- and part-time employees, and employers may adjust work schedules to meet it. Advance voting does not trigger this additional leave requirement. Élections Québec estimated that about 500,000 electors needed to be added to the voter list or update their address, with in-person list changes closing on 1 October. Voters can find their polling station on the yellow reminder card received in the mail, on the Élections Québec website, or by calling 1-888-353-2846, and should bring accepted identification such as a health insurance card, driver’s licence or Canadian passport. Special voting teams also operated between 25 September and 1 October in selected remote areas, including Indigenous communities.
How will the Montreal transit disruption affect election day?
Montreal is the principal election-day transportation concern. A strike by STM maintenance workers, running through 5 October, has led to reduced Metro and bus operations on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, so polling day coincides with a reduced-service day. This could affect employee commuting, customer footfall and voter access, particularly for staff and voters who depend on public transport, and Montreal-based employers may face greater scheduling and commuting constraints than operations elsewhere in Quebec. The wider picture is calm: no election-specific road closures or province-wide traffic restrictions have been identified, and alternative voting options, including advance polling and voting at returning officers’ offices, reduce dependence on election-day polling stations. Businesses with Montreal operations should monitor STM service announcements, use the 511 road information line, and plan staggered schedules and contingency arrangements for staff movement.
What are the main flashpoints and business risks?
Overall, the Quebec election 2026 presents limited immediate disruption risk but several operational and regulatory considerations. Language is one flashpoint: Élections Québec first sent voter information in French only, and on 16 September the Quebec Superior Court ordered the election-day reminder card to be mailed in both French and English, while a directive on polling-station language procedures has also been challenged. Sovereignty is the other: the PQ has pledged a referendum, but its leader has said none would be held while Donald Trump is US president, placing any vote after January 2029, so it is not an election-day event. Reporting does not show either issue affecting turnout or election validity. Businesses should also watch Bill 96 compliance, immigration proposals that could affect sectors reliant on foreign workers, US tariff exposure and post-result demonstrations in Montreal and Quebec City.
What should employers and voters do to prepare?
Employers should verify staffing for 5 October with the four-hour voting entitlement in mind, review staff and facility access plans where employees or customers rely on public transport, and set up contingency arrangements for Montreal-based operations covering commuting, deliveries, customer access and shift changes. Staggered schedules and advance coordination with employees are the practical tools. Companies should also identify operations in closely contested electoral districts, monitor demonstrations and campaign gatherings immediately after the results, particularly in Montreal and Quebec City, and reassess exposure once the incoming government’s priorities and cabinet appointments become clear rather than relying on campaign commitments. Voters should confirm their polling station in advance, bring valid identification and allow extra travel time, particularly in Montreal. Official updates are published by Élections Québec.
Frequently asked questions
When is Quebec election day in 2026 and what are the voting hours?
Quebec’s provincial general election is on Monday, 5 October 2026, with polling stations open from 0930 hours to 2000 hours local time across the province.
Do employees get time off to vote in Quebec?
Yes. Employees are entitled to four consecutive hours to vote on 5 October without loss of pay or penalties if they do not already have that time during polling hours; advance voting does not trigger the leave.
What are the emergency and election contact numbers for Quebec?
Emergency services (police, fire, ambulance): 911. Info-Santé / Info-Social: 811. Municipal services: 311. Québec Road Information: 511. Community services: 211. Québec Government Emergency Operations Centre: 418-643-3256 / 1-866-776-8345. Élections Québec: 1-888-353-2846.
Download the full report now
datasurfr’s Special Report on the Quebec election 2026 carries the complete party and polling analysis, the full business implications and recommendations, and a directory of official contacts and resources. Download the full report now to brief your Canada operations and continuity teams.
Filed under: AmericasThreat Intelligence Special Reports
