Pablo Rodriguez to sit as Independent while seeking Quebec Liberal leadership

Liberal MP Pablo Rodriguez announced his resignation from cabinet on Thursday and stated he will serve as an Independent until the Quebec Liberal Party leadership race begins next year.

At a press conference in Gatineau, Que., Rodriguez explained he would remain in his role until January to prevent triggering a costly byelection shortly before, or possibly overlapping with, a general election.

Rodriguez said, “My priorities can no longer align with those of a government that I have always supported as a dedicated team player,” adding that he aims to pursue his own priorities and promote a vision for a "fairer, more humane, more united Quebec." He also remarked, “I am certain that François Legault’s Quebec — with its divisive politics — does not reflect Quebecers and does not unite Quebecers.”

Rodriguez’s resignation from cabinet follows the departure of Seamus O'Regan, the former minister of labour and seniors, nearly two months ago.

The Trudeau government is expected to announce at 3:30 p.m. who will take over Rodriguez's roles as Quebec lieutenant and transport minister, according to Radio-Canada sources. CBC News sources indicate that President of the Treasury Board Anita Anand will be assigned the transport portfolio as an additional duty, while Public Services Minister Jean-Yves Duclos is anticipated to be named Quebec lieutenant.

Rodriguez has been deeply connected with the federal Liberal Party for over 20 years. He was first elected as the MP for Honoré-Mercier in Montreal’s east end in 2004, and was re-elected in 2006 and 2008. After losing to the NDP's Paulina Ayala during the 2011 Orange Wave, he reclaimed his seat in 2015 and has been re-elected in subsequent elections.

A committed Liberal, Rodriguez was appointed as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Quebec lieutenant and government House leader in 2019.

Regarding Quebec Premier François Legault's recent call for support against the Trudeau government, Rodriguez confirmed he would vote against a Conservative non-confidence motion expected next week.

On Thursday, Legault urged Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon to show "courage" and ask Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet to oppose the Trudeau government to "defend the interests of the Quebec nation."

Rodriguez responded, “To my surprise, Mr. Legault is urging the Bloc Québécois to defeat the government. My message to Mr. Legault is that if he wants to engage in federal politics, he should come to Ottawa.”

He criticized Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre for engaging in "partisan politics" and noted that Canadians are not seeking an election at this time. Blanchet stated Wednesday that he would vote against the non-confidence motion, arguing that it would merely replace Trudeau with Poilievre. “I’m not a Conservative. Conservative values are not Quebec values,” Blanchet said.

With Rodriguez's departure, the Liberals will have 33 MPs in Quebec, matching the number held by the Bloc Québécois.