Catherine Gentilcore Appointed as Quebec's Deputy Premier
Former opera singer and marketing expert takes key government leadership roles in Quebec.
1New Cabinet Appointments
On October 21, 2026, Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon officially swore in his 22-member cabinet. Among the key appointments, Catherine Gentilcore emerged as a central figure, assuming the roles of Deputy Premier, Minister of Immigration and Integration, Minister responsible for Quebec's Accession to Independence, and the government's parliamentary leader.
2From Opera to Politics
Before her political career, Gentilcore was a trained mezzo-soprano who studied at the University of Montreal's Faculty of Music. Her former professor, Catherine Sévigny, noted that Gentilcore stood out for her sociability and ability to lead peers during her studies, traits that transitioned logically into her current high-stakes political responsibilities.
3Early Political Roots
Raised in Repentigny, Gentilcore developed a strong interest in sovereignty at a young age. She recalls staying up late to watch the 1995 referendum results at age ten, an experience that solidified her ideological alignment with the Parti Québécois long before she entered the professional sphere as a communicator.
4Professional Background
Gentilcore built a diverse career in journalism, communication, and marketing. She worked at Le Devoir from 2014 to 2019, followed by roles at the Opéra de Montréal and C2 Montréal. This professional trajectory provided her with the strategic communication skills necessary to navigate the complex political landscape of modern Quebec governance.
5Joining the Parti Québécois
During the COVID-19 pandemic, while working at an opera house halted by lockdowns, Gentilcore reached out to the Parti Québécois to offer her services. She began as a national office advisor, quickly rising through the ranks to become party president in 2023, playing a vital role in the party's organizational reconstruction.
6Electoral Success
After declining a candidacy in 2022, Gentilcore successfully entered the political arena during a 2025 by-election in Terrebonne, replacing former CAQ member Pierre Fitzgibbon. Her colleagues describe her as a rigorous politician who values debate and thorough analysis, often challenging ideas before committing to a final strategic direction for the party.
7Collaborative Leadership Style
Despite her demanding nature, Gentilcore is noted for her ability to build bridges across political divides. Following her 2025 victory, she recruited former opponent Nadia Poirier as her deputy campaign director. This inclusive approach highlights her capacity to work with individuals from different political backgrounds to achieve common organizational goals.
8Historic Parliamentary Role
As the first woman to serve as the government's parliamentary leader, Gentilcore faces the challenge of managing the legislative agenda at the Salon Bleu starting December 1. Her unique background as a musician and strategist will be tested as she coordinates the government's 22 ministers to ensure legislative harmony.
Original article: Le Devoir — Catherine Gentilcore Appointed as Quebec's Deputy Premier