Benjamin Segobaetso
Published online August 12, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
PONTIAC – The political battle for Pontiac is underway as Quebec’s major parties position themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested provincial election on October 5, 2026.
The campaign may not officially be underway, but the political machinery is already in motion.
So far three candidates have been confirmed in the Pontiac riding. Incumbent André Fortin will seek re-election for the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ), while Bianca Baldo will represent Québec solidaire (QS) and Mariana Mefleh will carry the banner for the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ). To date no Parti Québecois candidate has been announced.
The election comes at a time when Pontiac residents continue to raise concerns about access to health care, housing affordability, economic development, transportation infrastructure and the delivery of public services in rural communities. Local issues such as support for agriculture and forestry, municipal infrastructure funding and cross-border economic activity with neighbouring Ontario are also expected to feature prominently throughout the campaign.
The official campaign will begin once the National Assembly is dissolved and the writs of election are issued, expected later this month. Until then, candidates are expected to continue building towards their campaigns and engaging with voters across Pontiac.
