Ruba Ghazal used Quebec’s final televised leaders’ debate on Wednesday, September 23, to make the case for Québec solidaire’s approach to health care, housing, affordability and public services before voters head to the polls.
The two-hour encounter brought together the leaders of Quebec’s five major parties less than two weeks before the October 5 provincial election.
The debate focused on the future of Quebec, economic insecurity, public finances, families and health care, giving Ghazal one of her last opportunities to contrast Québec solidaire’s platform with the proposals of the Coalition avenir Québec, Parti québécois, Quebec Liberal Party and Conservative Party of Quebec.
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Ruba Ghazal emphasizes public health care
Health care was one of the sharpest points of disagreement during the debate, particularly over the role of private providers and the future of Santé Québec.
Ghazal argued that expanding private care risks drawing nurses and other health professionals away from the public system rather than increasing the overall number of workers available to patients.
Her position is consistent with Québec solidaire’s broader campaign message that the province should rebuild public services instead of relying on privatization or further restructuring.
The party has presented Ghazal as a candidate focused on making government more responsive to people facing higher rents, grocery bills and longer waits for public services.
Its campaign platform says the state should use its resources to improve affordability, housing and health care.
Housing and affordability remain central to the campaign
Housing has been one of the most prominent issues in Ghazal’s campaign, with Québec solidaire proposing major public investment and stronger controls on rent increases.
The party’s September 11 financial framework includes $11.8 billion in housing investment over four years, along with a proposed $200 increase per child to the Quebec Family Allowance.
Québec solidaire says those measures would be financed partly through higher contributions from the wealthiest residents, including a proposed tax intended to raise $5 billion for the provincial treasury.
The party also says it would return Quebec to budget balance in 2029-30 without imposing austerity measures or reducing public services.
Ghazal has also promoted the creation of 50,000 new non-market housing units during a first mandate and a rent freeze tied to inflation, proposals that place the party among the campaign’s strongest advocates for direct government intervention in the housing market.
Climate spending and immigration policy
Transportation and climate policy have provided another major dividing line between Québec solidaire and its opponents.
The party’s platform calls for $23 billion in public-transit investment over 10 years, including work to repair and modernize existing networks and expand service beyond Montreal.
It has also proposed measures intended to make transit more affordable for young people and older residents while reducing the province’s reliance on private vehicles.
On immigration, Ghazal has defended a permanent-immigration target of 70,000 people annually, combined with expanded francization and a stronger regionalization strategy.
Québec solidaire says its approach would prioritize permanent immigration, restore the Quebec Experience Program in full and create a regional stream for newcomers who work outside the province’s largest urban centres, according to the party’s immigration plan.
What happens next for Quebec voters
The September 23 debate was the last major opportunity for the five party leaders to confront one another on the same stage before voting begins.
Quebec’s advance voting days are September 27 and 28, while voting at local returning-officer offices is available on September 25 and 26 and from September 29 to October 1.
The general election will take place on Monday, October 5, with 127 electoral divisions on the new provincial electoral map, according to Élections Québec’s election information.
Ghazal is running for re-election in Mercier, the Montreal riding she has represented since 2018, while seeking to expand Québec solidaire’s presence beyond its existing urban base.
Her campaign’s immediate challenge is to turn support for the party’s positions on housing, public services, climate policy and redistribution into votes in a crowded five-party contest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ruba Ghazal?
Ruba Ghazal is Québec solidaire’s spokesperson and the party’s candidate in Mercier. She has represented the Montreal riding in Quebec’s National Assembly since 2018.
When is Quebec’s 2026 provincial election?
The election is scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2026.
When can Quebec voters cast ballots in advance?
Advance voting is scheduled for September 27 and 28, 2026. Other early voting options are available through local returning offices.
What are Québec solidaire’s main campaign priorities?
The party is campaigning on housing, affordability, stronger public services, climate investment, wealth taxation and Quebec sovereignty.
What is Québec solidaire proposing on immigration?
The party proposes an annual target of 70,000 permanent immigrants, greater regionalization, expanded francization and changes to pathways for newcomers working in Quebec regions.
Fact-Checked: Key election dates, candidate information and Québec solidaire policy commitments were checked against Elections Québec and official Québec solidaire material.
Disclaimer: Election platforms are political proposals and may change before or after the October 5, 2026 vote.