The Parti Québécois has recruited Claude Villeneuve as its parliamentary communications director and nominated Vincent Marissal as its candidate in Taschereau.
These moves signal a strategic effort by the party to bolster its professional expertise and electoral reach. By bringing in seasoned political figures, the party aims to strengthen its organization before the upcoming provincial elections.
On Monday, the party said that Vincent Marissal will run as the candidate in the Taschereau riding in Montréal [2]. Marissal previously served as a deputy for Québec solidaire, bringing legislative experience to the Parti Québécois ticket.
Earlier this year, the party expanded its leadership team with the appointment of Claude Villeneuve [3]. On May 5, 2026, Villeneuve joined the parliamentary wing as the director of communications [1, 3]. In addition to his administrative role, Villeneuve is expected to run for office in the Jean-Lesage riding in Québec City [4].
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, the leader of the Parti Québécois, spoke on the addition of the communications director. "Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is proud to announce the arrival of Claude Villeneuve as communications director of the parliamentary wing of the Parti Québécois," the party said in a statement [3].
The recruitment of these two figures highlights a trend of absorbing talent from other political backgrounds to broaden the party's appeal. Villeneuve brings experience from the Québec City opposition, while Marissal provides a bridge to different ideological voters in Montréal.
The party continues to fill its slate of candidates across key urban centers. The focus on both Montréal and Québec City suggests a coordinated effort to challenge incumbents in major metropolitan hubs.
“The party aims to strengthen its organization before the upcoming provincial elections.”
The recruitment of a former Québec solidaire deputy and a former opposition leader suggests the Parti Québécois is attempting to build a 'big tent' coalition. By diversifying its candidate pool and professionalizing its communications, the party is positioning itself to compete more effectively across different regional demographics in both Montréal and Québec City.
