Quebec Liberal Leader Charles Millard urged his caucus to serve with clarity and humility as they were sworn in at the provincial legislature. Millard said his party’s work isn’t done after a strong Oct. 5 election result. The party more than doubled its seat count, going from 18 to 40 and will serve as the official Opposition to the minority Parti Québécois government. Former premier Jean Charest was on hand to watch as his son Antoine was sworn in as the new representative for the Verdun riding. All of the Liberals opted to swear the oath to the Quebec people and not to the King, after the oath to the monarch was made optional in 2022. One member, Affine Lwalalika, was not sworn in since a judicial recount is underway in her riding. Milliard told his elected members to be proud, but also urged them to approach the role with “a healthy dose of clarity and humility.” “If our work of rebuilding were complete, we would be the ones forming the government today,” he said, adding, “There are still many regions to win back.” “The result on Oct. 5 is certainly an important milestone, but it is by no means the culmination of all our efforts.” He said it’s unclear how long the minority PQ government led by Paul St-Pierre Plamondon will last, and called for both discipline and teamwork. “When it comes to resolving crises, the government will find in us a reliable and open partner, but when it comes to creating crises … it will find in us a tough and unyielding opponent,” he said. Milliard also stated that the Quebec Fleur-de-lis is “just as striking alongside the Maple Leaf,” in a plea for federalism that drew thunderous applause. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2026.
