The former president of the Coalition Avenir Quebec has officially joined the provincial Liberal party, saying she no longer feels the CAQ is open to Quebec's diversity.

Dominique Anglade will run for the Liberal party in a by-election in the Montreal riding of Saint Henri Sainte Anne. The riding was held by Marguerite Blais, until she stepped down last month. The two have known each other for some time.

"I'm a friend of Dominique and I was so happy when the [premier] of Quebec decided that Dominique Anglade would represent that riding," Blais said at a news conference Friday.

Premier Philippe Couillard proudly presented her Friday morning, citing her long list of accomplishments.

Anglade is an engineer and businesswoman. She ran for the CAQ as a candidate in the riding of Fabre but lost to the Liberal candidate in the 2012 election. She served as party president in 2012 and 2013 and most recently worked as president of Montreal International, a non-profit group that aims to help stimulate economic development of the Greater Montreal Area.. 

Anglade said her decision to leave the CAQ was difficult but necessary because she says the party isn't as open as it used to be. As a first-generation Canadian, Anglade said she is concerned when politicians disparage newcomers.

"For me, it's not a small issue, immigration. I said it earlier, my parents were immigrants. This is something that is part of my DNA. I can't look at this and say this represents me. It doesn't." 

Couillard agreed with Anglade, saying the Liberal party has always been a big tent. 

"We are the party of openness, diversity, and inclusion. It's always been the case and it will always be the case. And I stand here as a white man telling Quebecers of all origins that I'm not more of a Quebecer than they are. That our citizenship is equal, whatever their origins, their beliefs, where they come from, and this is part of our central, our core values," said Couillard. 

But not everyone is convinced of Anglade's motives. Thursday, CAQ Leader Francois Legault suggested the move is pure political opportunism, with Anglade choosing the Liberals because she's hoping for a plum position in cabinet.

Analyst Jean Lapierre echoed that sentiment, saying Anglade accepted an offer she couldn't refuse.

"I don't buy that. I think what's happening is that she was approached by the Liberals. She wants to be a cabinet minister," he said.