Elections Canada is reminding residents of Chicoutimi–Le Fjord that the federal byelection taking place on Monday, Aug. 31 is a separate contest from Quebec’s provincial election campaign, which is scheduled for Oct. 5.
Clearing up election-day confusion
With the provincial campaign well under way, some voters in the region have expressed confusion about which ballots they will receive and which level of government the Aug. 31 vote concerns. In a social media notice, Elections Canada told constituents that "the federal byelection scheduled for Aug. 31 is separate from the provincial election taking place on Oct. 5."
The byelection was called after former Conservative MP Richard Martel was appointed to the Senate. Martel, a well-known former hockey coach, had narrowly won the riding for the Conservatives in the 2021 federal general election in a riding long viewed as part of Quebec’s separatist heartland.
Who is running in Chicoutimi–Le Fjord
Three main candidates are on the federal ballot in Chicoutimi–Le Fjord:
- Daniel Gobeil — Liberal Party
- Régis Gaudreault — Conservative Party
- Caroline Dubé — Bloc Québécois
The outcome will determine who represents the riding in the House of Commons until the next general election. Because the contest is federal, the winning candidate will take a seat in Ottawa and work on federal issues such as income support programs, defence, immigration and intergovernmental relations.
Context beyond the riding
The Aug. 31 byelections are not limited to Chicoutimi–Le Fjord. Two other federal byelections are being held the same day: one in North Vancouver—Capilano, B.C., and one in Beaches—East York, Ont. In Quebec, Prime Minister Mark Carney has not called a byelection for the riding of Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, which was left vacant earlier this year when former Bloc Québécois MP Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay stepped down to run provincially.
Local voters should note the distinction between levels of government so they know which ballot to expect and which candidates they are choosing for federal office.
| Election | Date | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Chicoutimi–Le Fjord byelection | Aug. 31 | Federal — elect MP to House of Commons |
| Quebec provincial election | Oct. 5 | Provincial — elect MNAs to the National Assembly |
"The federal byelection scheduled for Aug. 31 is separate from the provincial election taking place on Oct. 5."
Practical considerations for voters include making sure they are registered on the correct voters list and confirming the location of their polling station. Elections Canada typically posts polling locations and hours on its website ahead of voting day and provides information on advance polls and special voting provisions for electors who are away, have mobility issues, or require other accommodations.
For many Chicoutimi residents, the byelection will be judged against the backdrop of recent federal–provincial tensions and shifting political allegiances in Quebec. The riding has been competitive in recent cycles, with narrow margins separating the Conservatives, the Bloc Québécois and the Liberals. The result could be read for broader signals about federal party support in the region, even as attention remains fixed on the provincial campaign beginning this fall.
Voters with questions about what to expect on Aug. 31 or who are unsure about where or how to vote should consult the Elections Canada website or contact the agency directly to avoid confusion on election day.
