Noovo is drawing attention across Quebec after its first debate of the 2026 provincial election campaign brought five major party leaders together on Wednesday, September 16.
The 90-minute event was broadcast live from Bell’s Campus Bell in Montreal and presented simultaneously on Noovo and Crave. It was moderated by Michel Bherer and built around structured exchanges on issues facing Quebec voters.
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Who took part in the Noovo debate
The debate featured Christine Fréchette of the Coalition avenir Québec, Éric Duhaime of the Parti conservateur du Québec, Charles Milliard of the Parti libéral du Québec, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon of the Parti Québécois and Ruba Ghazal of Québec solidaire.
Bell Media said the leaders were listed alphabetically by party, rather than according to polling position or political prominence. The lineup included the five parties identified by the broadcaster as the principal political parties taking part in the Quebec campaign.
What viewers were looking for
The Noovo debate came one day after a separate televised face-to-face involving the same five leaders. That timing gave voters a second opportunity to compare the parties’ positions and the leaders’ responses during the early phase of the campaign.
Bell Media described the format as a more structured and dynamic exchange inspired by Les débatteurs de Noovo. The broadcaster said the discussion was intended to focus on major campaign and societal issues rather than function as a conventional set of opening statements.
For viewers, the consecutive debates also created a practical way to compare how the leaders addressed common subjects, including the economy, public services, Quebec’s future, immigration, housing and the cost of living. The specific emphasis and exchanges varied between the two broadcasts.
How to watch the Noovo debate replay
Bell Media scheduled post-debate analysis and live news conferences with the five leaders after the main broadcast. It also said Crave would make the full debate available for viewing or replay, while a version featuring selected highlights would be offered the following morning.
That makes the debate particularly relevant for voters who missed the live broadcast or who want to review individual exchanges before the campaign continues. Viewers should check the current Noovo and Crave listings for availability because programming and replay access can change.
Quebec election timeline
The 2026 Quebec general election is scheduled for October 5, 2026. Elections Québec has also confirmed that a revised electoral map is expected to be used for that election, changing the boundaries of 51 of the province’s 125 constituencies.
The election timeline means the Noovo debate arrives less than three weeks before voting day. The leaders therefore have limited time to turn debate appearances, campaign announcements and local events into broader voter support.
Election rules are also evolving ahead of the vote. Elections Québec has highlighted new transparency and integrity measures for 2026, including rules covering certain partisan advertising expenses and penalties related to deliberately false electoral information or impersonation.
Why Noovo is trending
Searches for “Noovo,” “Noovo débat des chefs” and related French-language phrases increased as viewers looked for the broadcast, the participating leaders, analysis and replay information.
The interest reflects more than a television schedule. The event was one of the first major opportunities of the campaign for voters to see all five leaders in the same forum before the October 5 election.
Noovo Info has said it will continue daily coverage of the provincial campaign, with journalists reporting from across Quebec until election day. The network is also planning special election-night programming on Noovo and Crave.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Noovo leaders debate held?
The debate was broadcast live on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, beginning at 8 p.m.
Which leaders participated in the Noovo debate?
Christine Fréchette, Éric Duhaime, Charles Milliard, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon and Ruba Ghazal took part.
Who moderated the Noovo debate?
Michel Bherer moderated the 90-minute debate.
Where can viewers watch the Noovo debate replay?
Bell Media said the full debate would be available through Crave, with selected highlights offered afterward. Availability should be checked on the current platform listings.
When is Quebec’s 2026 provincial election?
Quebec’s general election is scheduled for October 5, 2026.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against Bell Media’s official debate announcements and Elections Québec information about the 2026 election and electoral process. ([bellmedia.ca](https://www.bellmedia.ca/fr/salle-de-presse/presse/ce-mercredi-des-19-h-noovo-et-crave-presentent-le-grand-debat-des-chefs/?utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: Broadcast schedules and replay availability may change, so readers should confirm current listings through Noovo or Crave.