Pablo Rodriguez to resign from cabinet, seek Quebec Liberal leadership: sources

Federal Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez is expected to resign from cabinet in order to seek the leadership of the Liberal Party of Quebec, CBC News and Radio-Canada sources say.

Rodriguez is expected to make a statement about his cabinet resignation on Thursday in Gatineau, Que.

CBC News has agreed to keep the identities of the sources confidential because they are not authorized to speak.

Rodriguez also serves as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Quebec lieutenant.

The Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ) has been without an official leader since Dominique Anglade resigned in November following the party's crushing defeat in the Quebec 2022 election. The party won less than 15 per cent of the popular vote — the lowest vote share in its history.

Liberal member of the National Assembly Marc Tanguay was named interim leader but said last year he would not seek the party leadership.

It is believed that Rodriguez's background as the son of an immigrant, a student in Sherbrooke, a member of the youth commission of the Quebec Liberal Party in the 1990s and a federal minister could resonate with Liberal activists. According to one source, he would bring a breath of fresh air to the provincial Liberals.

The Quebec lieutenant will be up against former immigration minister and former Montreal mayor Denis Coderre and Montreal MNA Frédéric Beauchemin.

Charles Milliard, the former president and general manager of the Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce, and Matane lawyer Marc Bélanger have also announced their candidacy.

The race will officially begin in 2025, and the PLQ's new leader will be announced on June 14 in Quebec City.

Federal Public Services Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said on Wednesday that he's very grateful for what Rodriguez