Coalition Avenir Québec leadership candidate Christine Fréchette announced a policy platform on Thursday, March 12, 2026, centered on a full and permanent reimbursement of the carbon tax for Quebec agricultural producers. The proposal is designed to address rising energy costs and international competition affecting the agricultural industry.
The announcement aligns Fréchette with her sole leadership rival, Bernard Drainville, who previously proposed an identical carbon tax exemption for the sector. The CAQ is currently seeking a successor to Premier François Legault ahead of an April 12, 2026 leadership vote, as the party faces declining poll numbers against the Parti Québécois.
Financial Components of the Agricultural Platform
Fréchette stated the carbon tax reimbursement will provide farmers with the “necessary oxygen” to maintain operations and invest in their enterprises. She delivered the remarks during her policy rollout on Thursday. The platform includes a 30 percent increase in the financial support program for the next generation of farmers.
The proposed adjustment raises the maximum aid available to young farmers to $65,000 CAD. Fréchette outlined additional directives mandating that public institutions, specifically schools and hospitals, procure food sourced from within Quebec. The platform also includes a directive to reduce bureaucratic administration within the sector.
CAQ Succession and General Election Polling
The policy proposals arrive as the CAQ prepares for the October 2026 general elections. Recent 2026 Léger polling data indicates the Parti Québécois currently captures 32 percent of overall voting intentions and 39 percent among francophone voters.
Within the internal CAQ leadership race, Léger polling shows Fréchette holds the support of 59 percent of party partisans. Drainville holds 22 percent support. Both candidates are structuring platforms to appeal to rural and conservative voting blocs following recent protests by agricultural producers directed at the current CAQ government.