Pablo Rodriguez to resign from cabinet, seek Quebec Liberal leadership: sources
Transport minister expected to make announcement in Gatineau, Que., Thursday
Federal Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez is expected to step down from his cabinet position to pursue the leadership of the Liberal Party of Quebec, according to sources from CBC News and Radio-Canada.
Rodriguez is anticipated to announce his resignation from the cabinet on Thursday in Gatineau, Quebec.
These sources, whose identities are being protected as they are not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, also confirmed that Rodriguez currently holds the role of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Quebec lieutenant.
The Liberal Party of Quebec has been without a permanent leader since Dominique Anglade resigned in November, following a significant defeat in the 2022 provincial election, where the party secured less than 15% of the vote — its lowest share in history.
Marc Tanguay, a Liberal MNA, was appointed interim leader but stated last year that he would not pursue the leadership position.
Rodriguez’s immigrant background, his time studying in Sherbrooke, and his involvement with the Quebec Liberal Party’s youth commission in the 1990s, coupled with his experience as a federal minister, are seen as strengths that could appeal to Liberal supporters. One source suggested his candidacy could bring a fresh perspective to the party.
