Women aged 60 and over remain significantly outnumbered by men in Quebec’s 2026 provincial election, highlighting the continued gender gap among older political candidates as parties campaign ahead of the Oct. 5 vote.
Official figures from Élections Québec show that 58 women aged 60 and over are among the 908 accepted candidates, compared with 104 men in the same age group. Overall, women account for about 43% of all candidates.
The figures have renewed discussion about the participation of older women in politics and the experience they bring to public life.
One of the candidates challenging the age imbalance is Anne Latendresse, a 65-year-old Québec solidaire candidate in the Maurice-Richard riding in Montreal. A retired university professor and researcher, Latendresse entered the race after a long career in academia, social movements and nonprofit organizations.
Latendresse said her professional and community experience gave her the confidence to seek elected office at a stage of life when many people are preparing for retirement.
The issue is not simply about the number of older women running for office. Candidates and political figures interviewed for the report argued that women with decades of professional and community experience can bring valuable expertise to government.
Sonia Bélanger, Quebec’s health minister, is another example of an older woman holding a prominent political role. She has served in cabinet positions involving health, social services, seniors and caregivers.
The representation of women varies significantly among Quebec’s political parties. Élections Québec reports that women make up 54% of the candidates for Équipe Christine Fréchette – Coalition avenir Québec, while women account for 59% of Québec solidaire’s candidates.
Despite those numbers, the overall candidate pool remains male-dominated, with 521 men compared with 387 women. The average age of all candidates is 47.
The debate comes during a campaign shaped by concerns over the economy, health care, the cost of living and Quebec’s relationship with the rest of Canada. The campaign has also featured discussion of U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies and their impact on Quebec.
As Quebec voters prepare to choose their next government, the presence of candidates such as Latendresse is drawing attention to the role of older women in politics and the importance of representation across different age groups.
Swifteradio.com
