TLMEP : Mathieu Lacombe de la CAQ explique sans gêne pourquoi il était au party du PQ
« Que diantre câlissiez-vous là? », a demandé Guy A. Lepage.
L'ex-ministre de la Culture et des Communications sous la Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ), Mathieu Lacombe, était de passage sur le plateau de Tout le monde en parle pour s'expliquer à la suite de sa visite au party électoral du Parti québécois (PQ), le 5 octobre dernier, qui n'a pas passé auprès de ses collègues caquistes.
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« Que diantre câlissiez-vous là? », a demandé d'entrée de jeu l'animateur, Guy A. Lepage.
« C’était une mauvaise décision que je ne reprendrais pas si je pouvais. Parce que je sais que ça a blessé des collègues », a d'abord rétorqué l'ex-ministre caquiste.
Ce dernier a réaffirmé qu'il s'était déplacé à l'Espace Saint-Denis, le soir du 5 octobre, pour féliciter « de bons amis qui célébraient un moment important », dans une salle privée, loin des regards.
« J’étais un peu détaché depuis quelques mois, c’est-à-dire que j’avais déjà annoncé mon départ, a-t-il expliqué. J’avais un certain éloignement qui fait que j’ai baissé ma garde... »
Mathieu Lacombe reconnaît d'ailleurs qu'il s'agissait d'« une mauvaise décision » et que s'il avait « à reprendre cette décision-là, aujourd'hui, je prendrais une décision différente ».
Son soutien à des amis et amies péquistes, alors que la CAQ a été rayée de la carte électorale, lui a coûté son poste de ministre de la Culture et des Communications. Il s'est également fait montrer la porte du parti dont il portait les couleurs depuis 2018.
Quant à son avenir politique, Mathieu Lacombe reste plutôt vague. Celui qui s'est affiché souverainiste au printemps dernier, affirmant qu'il voterait « oui » lors d'un référendum sur l'indépendance du Québec, n'a pas voulu « animer les théories » selon lesquelles l'ancien journaliste pourrait éventuellement se joindre aux troupes du Parti québécois.
« Je ne suis plus membre d'aucun parti politique ce soir. Je n'ai pas l'intention de changer ça dans les prochaines semaines », a répondu M. Lacombe, qui dit s'être senti « utile » lors de ses années au sein du gouvernement du Québec.
Est-ce pour autant la fin de sa vie politique? « Je suis certain que je vais en refaire, j’ai trop aimé ça, a-t-il lancé. J’ai trop eu la piqûre pour vous dire que je ne referais pas de politique », a-t-il confié.
« Avec le PQ dans 18 mois? », a demandé le fou du roi de la soirée, Jean-Sébastien Girard. « Je ne penserais pas », a répondu Lacombe, tout sourire.
Rappelons que le 5 octobre dernier, la CAQ de la première ministre sortante Christine Fréchette n'a fait élire personne à l'Assemblée nationale. Le PQ a quant à lui été porté au pouvoir avec un gouvernement minoritaire comptant 59 députés et députées.
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Statistics Canada set to release September inflation figures
Statistics Canada is set to report inflation data for September today.
A Reuters poll of economists expects inflation accelerated to 3.2 per cent last month, up from three per cent in August.
Economists say persistently high energy prices are the main forces pushing inflation higher right now and they'll be looking for evidence of cost pressures broadening beyond the gas pumps.
The September inflation report will be the Bank of Canada's last look at price data before its next interest rate decision on Oct. 28.
The central bank has signalled it will look through the initial inflationary impacts from the ongoing war in the Middle East but is prepared to hike its policy rate if there are signs inflation is spreading.
The Bank of Canada will also release its own quarterly surveys of consumers and businesses later this morning that will give a sense of whether firms are planning to pass higher supply chain costs on to their customers.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
The 4 soldiers killed in fast-moving fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta
Four Armed Forces members were killed when a fast-moving fire overwhelmed soldiers during a training exercise at CFB Wainwright, southeast of Edmonton, on Saturday. Dozens of others were injured, with 39 still in hospital on Sunday.
Here's a look at the four who died:
Private Shaun Farrell
Farrell, a member of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry based at Edmonton, was from Prince Albert, Sask.
In a social media post, his mother asked for privacy as the family navigates "this profound loss."
"We want to thank everyone for your love, support, and prayers during this incredibly difficult time," said Patricia Farrell.
She also posted a photo of her smiling son in uniform, standing by a pickup truck. "Love you my darling child."
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said flags in the province would be lowered to half-mast in Farrell's memory.
"Shaun was a young man full of promise who chose to serve his country. His loss will be felt deeply by his family, friends, fellow service members, and all who knew him," Moe said in a statement.
"To Shaun's family, to the families of the other fallen service members, and to everyone carrying the weight of this loss today, please know that Saskatchewan stands with you, and that you are in our prayers in the difficult days ahead."
---
Private Aidan Goulding
The 23-year-old, of North Vancouver, was also a member of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
His family said he was an exceptional athlete and, after high school, became a mechanic.
He later quit to join the army.
"Although he was making excellent money and had a good life, he decided he wanted to defend his country. His goal was to work for Special OPs and then onto CSIS," his mother, Sonia Monk, and older brother, Wylder Goulding, said in a statement.
"He was the guy that kept people's spirits up, a contagious laugh and a cheeky smile, he took his role in the army seriously, and our family and his dear friends have suffered a great loss."
They said he loved his adopted new army family and was looking forward to peacekeeping in Latvia.
"Before he went to basic training, he said, ‘I know I have one life to live, and I’m gonna make the best out of it.' That was our Aidan."
—
Private Hayden Lykkemark
Lykkemark was from Langley, B.C., and with the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
B.C. Premier David Eby recognized Lykkemark and Goulding in a social media post.
"In this moment of profound heartbreak, as British Columbians and Canadians, let's wrap our arms around their families, supporting them and joining in the mourning of this horrible tragedy," he said.
---

Sgt. Morgan Wong
The 26-year-old from Edmonton was a reservist with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, serving with the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
"He was an incredible person who was always there whenever anyone needed him," his family said in a statement.
"He loved being active and spending time with his friends and family. He was extremely proud to serve with the Canadian Armed Forces."
They said he earned a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Alberta, as well as certificates in real estate and civil-military leadership.
He joined the Forces in 2017, and for the last four years worked as a financial analyst and manager with the Alberta government. He also served as a first responder with St. John Ambulance.
He served in Latvia from October 2024 to June 2025, and was preparing for a second tour in Europe.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Sergeant Morgan Wong of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, and all those who lost their lives yesterday at Wainwright," the 49th Battalion Loyal Edmonton Regiment Association said in a social media post.
"Our thoughts and prayers are also with the injured, their loved ones and everyone affected by this tragedy.
"We will remember them."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2026.
— By Dayne Patterson in Edmonton, Bill Graveland in Calgary and Nick Murray in Ottawa
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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