Quebec election likely on Sept. 4: Charest minister

MONTREAL – Quebecers should prepare to head to the polls just after Labour Day as Premier Jean Charest seeks a rare fourth consecutive term.

Tuesday, Sept. 4 is the likely date of a provincial election, according to a Quebec cabinet minister.

While there has been rampant speculation about an imminent election, the comments Thursday marked the first time a member of the government has spoken so explicitly about one.

Municipal Affairs Minister Laurent Lessard told a Quebec radio network that he expects the premier to call an election campaign next week.

“It’s very probable, very probable,” he told Infos Reseau des Appalaches.

“Everything’s getting lined up — we’re seeing lots of announcements of candidacies everywhere…

“I think the premier is going to call elections for a vote on Sept. 4.”

Charest, who was re-elected in December 2008, is already only the first Quebec premier in a half-century to have won three straight terms.

However, he’s struggling in the polls and faces a tough three-way election fight.