The 2019 Bloc Québécois leadership election was initiated by the resignation of party leader Martine Ouellet in June 2018. While originally scheduled to be held on February 24, 2019[1][2] on a one member, one vote basis, Yves-François Blanchet, as the only candidate in the race following the nomination deadline of January 15, 2019, was officially acclaimed Leader of the Bloc Québécois on January 17, 2019.[3]
Ouellet got 32% support from a confidence vote of party members.[4] She resigned on June 11, 2018.[4] Seven out of ten Bloc Québécois caucus members left on February 28, 2018[5] and formed Québec debout, which was announced on May 9, 2018.[6] On September 17, 2018, the party's five MPs rejoined the Bloc Québécois caucus.[7]
Christian Hébert, businessman, owner of the food company Domaine Hébert in Deschambault and 2018Parti Québécois candidate in Portneuf. Hébert had announced his candidacy, though was not in the race by the nomination deadline of January 15, 2019, and it's unclear whether he withdrew or failed to qualify.[3]
Jean-Jacques Nantel, an engineer, attempted to join the race though did not meet the party's criteria.[3]
Jean-François Lisée, former leader of the Parti Québécois (2016–2018), Quebec Minister of International Relations, the Francophonie, External Trade (2012–2014), and MNA for Rosemont (2012–2018)[9]
