MONTREAL

Bloc Quebecois to decide new leader on April 22

The Canadian Press Published Saturday, February 4, 2017 11:30AM EST Last Updated Saturday, February 4, 2017 12:39PM EST

Martine Ouellet is flanked by supporters as she declares her bid to become PQ leader on May 27, 2016 (Derek Conlon/CTV Montreal)

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The Bloc Quebecois will have a new leader on April 22.

Delegates gathered in Boucherville on Saturday to decide the date and rules for the leadership campaign. While BQ President Mario Beaulieu had pushed for the early vote, citing a busy fall political calendar that included a Montreal municipal election and a Parti Quebecois convention, others had hoped to wait until 2018.

Beaulieu praised the decision on Facebook, saying "Now, more than ever, Quebec needs a strong and united Bloc to fight until the next election."

No candidate has yet announced their intention to run but Parti Quebecois MNA Martine Ouellet, who was defeated in a campaign for PQ leadership by Jean-Francois Lisee, has been frequently rumoured to be interested in the post. Ouellet has announced she will hold a press conference on Sunday in Montreal to discuss her decision.

Felix Pinel, who had run for parliament in the Riviere-des-Mille-Iles riding in the most recent federal election, announced his intention to run for the post this week.