Quebec Liberal Party welcomes new leader Charles Milliard

Charles Milliard was welcomed by about 600 people in Trois-Rivières after being acclaimed as leader of the Quebec Liberal Party; he outlined five priorities including the economy, public services and housing.

About 600 people welcomed Charles Milliard as the new head of the Quebec Liberal Party in Trois-Rivières on Sunday, days after he was acclaimed in a leadership race that drew no other candidates. He takes over following the December resignation of former leader Pablo Rodriguez, which followed allegations related to the prior leadership contest. Milliard set out five priorities for a potential Quebec Liberal government, including strengthening the economy, improving public services, supporting regions, promoting culture and addressing housing access. He is a pharmacist from Lévis and a former president of the Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce and has not previously held elected office. Key details: - The welcome event drew about 600 people and was held at the Delta Hotel in Trois-Rivières. - Milliard was acclaimed as leader after a leadership race with no other candidates. - He outlined five priorities: economy, public services, support for regions, culture and housing access. - Former premiers Daniel Johnson and Philippe Couillard and past interim leaders attended the event. - He succeeds Pablo Rodriguez, who resigned in December amid allegations tied to a previous leadership contest. - Milliard's background is in pharmacy and business advocacy, and he has not held elected office at the provincial or federal level. Summary: Milliard's acclamation and public welcome mark a leadership transition for the Quebec Liberal Party, with an emphasis in his remarks on integrity, transparency and a five-point agenda. Undetermined at this time.