THE REGIONS
ROBERVAL: Liberal leader Philippe Couillard’s decision to run in SaguenayLac-Saint-Jean riding of Roberval was seen as daring to say the least. For one thing, it has been held by PQ MNA Denis Trottier, who is well liked and close to voters. In 2012, Trottier won the riding with a 6,000 vote majority. It would have been easier for Couillard to stay in the safe Liberal riding he held before the election call, Outremont. But he wanted to make a bold gesture toward the regions by running in a rural riding. Couillard’s wife is from the region and he said he now considers it home. Roberval has voted Liberal in the past, but usually goes with the provincial flow meaning if the province votes Liberals Couillard has a chance.
TROIS-RIVIèRES: A Liberal riding, MNA Danielle St-Armand managed to hold onto this riding in 2012 by 1,000 votes. The PQ thinks this time it’s ripe and has picked former TVA journalist Alexis Deschênes to carry the PQ banner.
SAINT-FRANçOIS: A Liberal riding for the last 26 years, PQ candidate Réjean Hébert, the PQ health minister, won in 2012 by 65 votes after a judicial recount. In 2012, 18 per cent of the vote slipped over to the CAQ, allowing the PQ to clinch it. The Liberals believe much of that vote will come back to them this time.
RICHMOND: Considered an Eastern Townships Liberal stronghold, it nearly went PQ in 2012, owing to a redrawing of its boundaries. It is believed the reason it stayed Liberal — by 269 votes — was because of a Liberal pledge to reopen the Jeffrey mine in the city of Asbestos. The PQ cancelled that plan when it formed a government.
ABITIBI-EST: Even if she is a cabinet minister, Élizabeth Larouche has one of the lowest profiles. She won in 2012 by 777 votes. In contrast to Abitibi-Ouest, which has been PQ for years, AbitibiEst is unpredictable.