How a Pharmacist-Turned-Politician Is Reshaping the Quebec Liberal Party's Future

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Charles Milliard, a former pharmacist and business leader, became the first openly gay leader of the Quebec Liberal Party in 2026. His rise marks a shift toward generational renewal, focusing on economic modernization, regional development, and a distinct brand of asymmetrical federalism that seeks to empower Quebec's municipalities.

Born in 1979 in Lévis, Charles Milliard built a career spanning pharmacy, management, and advocacy before entering provincial politics. After serving as president of the Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce from 2019 to 2024, he sought the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party. Though initially defeated by Pablo Rodriguez in 2025, Milliard was acclaimed as party leader in February 2026 following Rodriguez's resignation. He subsequently secured a seat in the National Assembly for the riding of Orford during the 2026 general election, helping the Liberals double their seat count to 40.

Milliard’s political philosophy is rooted in what he terms asymmetrical federalism, drawing inspiration from former premier Robert Bourassa. He advocates for a strong, unified relationship between Quebec and Canada while championing the rights and freedoms of all Quebecers. His platform emphasizes economic growth through the support of small and medium-sized enterprises, proposing a reduction in their tax rate from 11.5% to 10%. Furthermore, he has called for the modernization of infrastructure, such as the Montreal metro, and has set an ambitious target of constructing 100,000 homes annually to address housing shortages.

Beyond economics, Milliard has positioned himself as a defender of minority rights and an advocate for inclusive integration. He supports interculturalism as the official model for Quebec and has criticized the tone of current debates surrounding immigration and secularism, such as Bill 21 and Bill 96. His healthcare strategy focuses on efficiency and innovation, including the creation of public telemedicine clinics and aligning the salaries of health workers with their Ontario counterparts. By prioritizing education, regional development, and green innovation, Milliard aims to restore Quebec’s reputation as an economic leader while fostering a more collaborative political environment.

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