Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has unveiled his cabinet after the Parti québécois returned to power in Quebec’s October 5, 2026 election.
The new premier presented a cabinet made up of 22 ministers, bringing the total executive team to 23 people when the premier is included.
The ceremony took place Wednesday afternoon at the Parliament Building in Quebec City, marking the formal start of the new government’s ministerial team.
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Paul St-Pierre Plamondon chooses a smaller cabinet
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon’s cabinet is smaller than the previous Coalition avenir Québec ministry, reflecting his campaign promise to reduce the size of government.
The Parti québécois government holds 59 of the 127 seats in the new National Assembly, leaving it dependent on opposition support to pass legislation and maintain confidence in the chamber.
The new legislature is scheduled to begin sitting in November after the transition period following the election.
Key portfolios go to experienced figures
Nicolas Marceau is returning to the Finance portfolio, a position he previously held in the Pauline Marois government.
Marie-Karlynn Laflamme is taking responsibility for Health, while Joël Arseneau has been assigned Education.
Alain Therrien is expected to oversee the Treasury Board and government administration.
Catherine Gentilcore is taking the Immigration portfolio, while Nicolas Girard is moving from his previous work in transportation administration to lead the province’s Transport and Mobility responsibilities.
Guy Lapointe has been selected to lead the new Internal Security ministry, one of the government’s notable structural changes.
What the new government says it will prioritize
The government has identified affordability, public services, economic development, housing, infrastructure and Quebec’s language and cultural identity as early priorities.
The cabinet is also expected to manage pressure from the United States trade relationship, particularly for sectors exposed to tariffs and cross-border market uncertainty.
Immigration will be another immediate area of attention, with the new government promising changes aimed at improving predictability for French-speaking immigrants already established in Quebec.
The Parti québécois has also pledged to reopen the Quebec Experience Program for a limited period while maintaining its proposed immigration thresholds.
A minority government faces early tests
The government’s minority status means its first legislative priorities will require negotiations with at least one opposition party.
The Quebec Liberal Party, Québec solidaire and the Conservative Party of Quebec will hold the balance of power on different votes, depending on the issue and the attendance of elected members.
The government’s first major test is likely to involve its opening legislative agenda, spending plans and measures connected to health care, housing and the cost of living.
The National Assembly’s next sitting period will also establish the new government’s relationship with opposition parties and determine how quickly its priorities can move through the chamber.
What happens next
The newly appointed ministers will begin taking control of their departments as the transition from the outgoing government continues.
Quebec’s new cabinet will then prepare for the opening of the 44th legislature and the first major debates of the new parliamentary session.
The government will need to turn its election commitments into legislation while balancing its agenda against the realities of governing without a majority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Quebec’s new premier?
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon became premier after the Parti québécois won the most seats in the October 5, 2026 provincial election.
How large is the new Quebec cabinet?
The cabinet has 22 ministers, or 23 members when the premier is included.
Is the Parti québécois government a majority government?
No. The Parti québécois holds 59 of the 127 seats in the National Assembly and must work with opposition parties to pass legislation.
Who is Quebec’s new finance minister?
Nicolas Marceau has returned to the Finance portfolio.
When will Quebec’s new legislature begin sitting?
The new National Assembly is scheduled to begin sitting in November 2026 after the post-election transition period.
Fact-Checked: Key facts were checked against Quebec government and National Assembly information, along with current corroborated reporting on the October 21, 2026 cabinet announcement. ([quebec.ca](https://www.quebec.ca/premiere-ministre/equipe/conseil-des-ministres))
Disclaimer: Cabinet responsibilities and parliamentary timelines may be adjusted as the new government completes its transition and formal legislative schedule.