As the late spring sunshine washes over terrasses across Montreal, François Legault finds himself in an increasingly unfamiliar position – struggling to maintain public support that once seemed unshakable. Recent polling data reveals what many of us walking the streets of Quebec have sensed for months: the Premier’s approval ratings have dramatically collapsed.
The latest numbers from the Angus Reid Institute show Legault’s approval sitting at just 31 percent – a stark 13-point drop from March and his lowest rating since taking office in 2018. This represents a remarkable reversal of fortune for a Premier who once enjoyed support levels that made politicians across Canada envious.
“The honeymoon is definitely over,” explains Jean-Marc Léger, president of Léger Marketing, when I spoke with him last week. “We’re seeing frustration building across multiple sectors – healthcare access, housing affordability, and cost of living concerns are all weighing heavily on Quebecers.”
Perhaps most concerning for Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government is how quickly this decline has accelerated. Just over a year ago, despite some post-pandemic challenges, the Premier maintained relatively solid support. The erosion began gradually but has intensified in recent months.
Walking through my own Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood yesterday, conversations with shopkeepers and residents reflected this shifting sentiment. Marie Bouchard, who runs a small bookstore on Avenue Mont-Royal, expressed what I’m hearing repeatedly: “I voted for CAQ twice, but honestly, I don’t recognize the government anymore. They seem disconnected from what’s happening in people’s lives.”
Legault himself appears to recognize the severity of the situation. During a press conference in Quebec City last Thursday, he acknowledged the challenges but remained defiant about his political future. “Yes, we have work to do to regain Quebecers’ confidence,” he stated firmly. “But I have no intention of stepping down before the next election.”
The Premier attributed much of the disapproval to “difficult but necessary decisions” his government has made. This explanation hasn’t satisfied critics, including opposition leaders who sense political vulnerability for the first time in years.
Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, Québec Solidaire co-spokesperson, didn’t mince words when responding to the poll results. “François Legault promised to focus on healthcare, education, and making life more affordable. On all three counts, Quebecers are saying he’s failed.”
The decline seems particularly pronounced in Montreal, where the CAQ has struggled to maintain connection even during better polling days. A long-standing urban-rural divide appears to be deepening across the province, according to political analysts at Université de Montréal’s political science department.
Healthcare remains a primary concern for many Quebecers I’ve spoken with. Despite promises of reform and significant investments, wait times and access issues persist across the system. Claude Fortin, a retired teacher I interviewed at Café Olimpico, expressed frustration shared by many: “My wife waited 14 months for a hip replacement. Legault promised to fix healthcare, but we’re still waiting.”
Housing affordability presents another critical challenge. Rental prices in Montreal have surged dramatically, with the average one-bedroom apartment now commanding well over $1,500 monthly in many neighborhoods – an increase that outpaces wage growth substantially.
Economic policies have also drawn increasing criticism. While Quebec’s economy has shown resilience, inflation has disproportionately impacted middle and lower-income families. The government’s responses have been criticized as insufficient by both citizens and economic experts.
Legault’s approach to language and immigration issues has further complicated his political standing. What once served as a unifying factor among many francophone Quebecers has become increasingly divisive, especially as the province faces workforce shortages across multiple sectors.
The Premier’s team has begun what appears to be a recalibration effort. Recent announcements have focused heavily on economic initiatives and healthcare improvements. Communications strategy has shifted toward emphasizing long-term vision rather than immediate challenges.
Whether these efforts will reverse the polling trend remains uncertain. The political calendar offers both challenges and opportunities – with over two years remaining before the next scheduled provincial election in 2026, Legault has time to adjust course, but also faces the risk of sustained decline if public perception solidifies.
“The numbers tell us Quebecers are looking for concrete results, not just promises,” notes Emmanuelle Latraverse, political analyst and veteran Quebec journalist. “The window for delivering those results may be narrowing.”
For now, as Montreal prepares for another vibrant summer season, the political landscape appears more uncertain than it has in years. François Legault, once seemingly invincible, now faces the greatest challenge of his political career – reconnecting with Quebecers who increasingly question whether his government still represents their interests and aspirations.
Walking back to my apartment along Rue Saint-Denis yesterday evening, I passed countless “À Louer” signs in shop windows – a visual reminder of economic challenges facing many Montrealers. Whether Legault can address these concerns meaningfully will likely determine if his current polling collapse represents a temporary setback or the beginning of a new political reality in Quebec.
