Mario Roy: Beauceron Farmer’s Bid for PLQ Leadership
Laval, Quebec, January 13, 2026 – Mario Roy, a 31-year-old farmer and economist from Saint-Jules in the Beauce region, emerged as a candidate in the 2025 Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) leadership race. Advocating for deregulation, nationalization of natural resources, and stronger support for agriculture, Roy positioned himself as a voice for rural Quebec, though he did not win the contest.
Background and Early Involvement
Roy grew up in a large family, the seventh of nine children, and took over the family farm at age 23 alongside his brother. The farm, a fourth-generation operation, includes dairy, pork, and maple syrup production. Trained as an economist, Roy completed a college programme in Farm Management and Technology, followed by a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics at McGill University. He was pursuing a master’s in the same field during his candidacy.
His political journey began at age 16 when he joined the PLQ’s Youth Commission. Roy later served as president of the Association of Graduate Students Employed at McGill (AGSEM), representing teaching assistants and invigilators. This role led to positions in the Fédération des Enseignantes et Enseignants du Québec (FNEEQ) and involvement with the Confédération des Syndicats Nationaux (CSN). He also sat on boards for the Union des Producteurs Agricoles du Québec (UPA), including as vice-president for Beauce maple syrup producers, and was vice-president of his agricultural cooperative.
Campaign Positions
Roy’s platform focused on economic deregulation to reduce bureaucracy, nationalizing natural gas to fund public services, and diversifying trade partnerships beyond the United States. He opposed free-trade agreements that he believed disadvantaged Quebec and advocated for a “Farm Bill” to protect supply management. Other key proposals included:
- Nationalizing seniors’ residences to keep families united in rural areas.
- Abolishing the carbon tax in favour of federal-equivalent regulations.
- Reducing foreign worker restrictions to address labour shortages.
- Protecting maple syrup production and reopening regional abattoirs.
Key Facts and Results
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Candidacy Launch | March 31, 2025, in Quebec City, after collecting 750 signatures and $40,000. |
| Key Supporters | Rural Quebec residents; emphasized regional representation over Montreal-centric focus. |
| Leadership Vote | June 9-14, 2025; Roy finished behind Pablo Rodriguez, who won with a majority. |
| Post-Race Activities | Roy continued advocating for PLQ reforms, focusing on debt repayment and potential provincial candidacy. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Roy’s main criticisms of the PLQ?
Roy argued the party was disconnected from rural issues and too focused on Montreal. He criticized the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) for neglecting regions and proposed policies to bring balance.
Did Roy win any endorsements?
While he garnered support from agricultural and union circles, major party figures backed other candidates. Roy highlighted his grassroots campaign as a strength.
What is Roy’s stance on sovereignty?
As a federalist, Roy opposed Quebec sovereignty, warning against threats from U.S. annexation under figures like Donald Trump, and emphasized a strong Quebec within Canada.