The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Politics & World›Provincial Premier›François Legault
Politics & World • Provincial Premier

François Legault

François Legault is a Canadian politician and businessman who served as the 32nd premier of Quebec from 2018 to 2026.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

François Legault is a Canadian politician and businessman who served as the 32nd premier of Quebec from 2018 to 2026. He founded the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) in 2011 and led it to government in the 2018 provincial election. His premiership was associated with measures on secularism, French-language policy, and the COVID-19 response in Quebec.

Early life and business career

Legault was born in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, in 1957. Before becoming a full-time politician, he was active in business and co-founded Air Transat.

Political career before the premiership

He served as a minister in Parti Québécois governments led by Lucien Bouchard and Bernard Landry. In 2011, he founded the Coalition Avenir Québec and became its leader.

Premier of Quebec

Legault led the CAQ to victory in the 2018 Quebec general election and became premier. His government was identified with Bill 21 on state secularism, Bill 96 on French-language policy, and the province's management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resignation and legacy

In January 2026, Legault announced that he would step down as premier and CAQ leader once a successor was chosen. His legacy is generally tied to his reshaping of Quebec's political landscape and his emphasis on nationalism, secularism, and language policy.

Key facts

  • Born in 1957 in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec.
  • Co-founded Air Transat before entering provincial politics.
  • Served as a minister in Parti Québécois governments under Lucien Bouchard and Bernard Landry.
  • Founded the Coalition Avenir Québec in 2011 and became premier after the 2018 election.
  • Announced his resignation as CAQ leader and premier in January 2026.
🍁
Canadian context

François Legault is one of the most influential Quebec politicians of the 21st century and a major figure in Canadian provincial politics, particularly on questions of language, secularism, and federal-provincial relations.

Frequently asked questions

Who is François Legault?
François Legault is a Canadian politician and businessman who served as premier of Quebec from 2018 to 2026.
What party did François Legault found?
He founded the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) in 2011.
When did François Legault become premier of Quebec?
He became premier after the CAQ won the 2018 Quebec provincial election.
What are François Legault's best-known policies?
His government is closely associated with Bill 21 on secularism, Bill 96 on French-language policy, and Quebec's COVID-19 response.
When did François Legault resign?
He announced his resignation in January 2026 and said he would remain in office until a successor was chosen.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran%C3%A7ois_Legault
    Supports: Birth date, political career, founding of the CAQ, premiership, and resignation timing.
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/francois-legault
    Supports: Biography, business background, founding of the CAQ, election as premier, and major policy associations.
  3. Assemblée nationale du Québec — https://www.assnat.qc.ca/fr/deputes/legault-francois-4131/index.html
    Supports: Official legislative profile, constituency, and dates in office.
  4. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran%C3%A7ois_Legault
    Supports: Election history, policy initiatives, and background on Bill 21 and Bill 96.