Discover Narcity
Get the latest and greatest stories every day in your inbox.
Former Quebec minister named interim CAQ leader after election wipeout
Former Quebec minister named interim CAQ leader
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
Former Quebec cabinet minister Mathieu Lévesque has been named interim leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec after the party suffered a crushing defeat in the Oct. 5 provincial election.
Lévesque replaces former premier Christine Fréchette, who resigned after the once-dominant party failed to win a single seat in the provincial legislature.
The CAQ held 79 of the national assembly's 125 seats before the election campaign began.
Lévesque had represented the riding of Chapleau, in the Gatineau area near Ottawa, since 2018 but lost his seat in the election, finishing third.
In a statement, Lévesque says he accepts the responsibility with humility and that the party needs to engage in collective reflection.
A lawyer by profession, Lévesque served as minister responsible for youth and associate minister responsible for the regions under Fréchette.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2026.
-- with files by Audrey Sanikopoulos and Helen Moka in Montreal
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Keep reading
Show less
Ontario is home to a mini Grand Canyon with dreamy trails and towering boardwalks
You can skip the flight to Arizona.
You can skip the trip to Arizona and enjoy some Grand Canyon-like views right here in Ontario this fall.
This breathtaking destination boasts towering boardwalks, scenic trails, and massive canyon walls that will have you forgetting you're still in the province.
It's even more stunning during the fall, when shades of red and gold blanket the surrounding forests.
Ouimet Canyon, located in Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park near Thunder Bay, is a jaw-dropping natural wonder with some incredible autumn views.
The destination boasts a 150-metre-wide gorge with massive cliffs descending 100 metres to the canyon floor, earning it the nickname "Canada's answer to the Grand Canyon." You can gaze over a patchwork of fall colours from above as you venture along the towering trails.
The park features a 1-kilometre trail loop that leads over a scenic bridge to two lookout platforms nestled along the canyon edge.
An elevated boardwalk winds between the viewing platforms where you can soak up the canyon's fiery fall colours. The landscape is also home to Arctic plant species typically found much farther north, creating a unique natural setting.
Keep an eye out for some of the park's birds as you explore the walkway beneath the forest canopy.
With its dramatic cliffs and rugged landscape, Ouimet Canyon offers a taste of the American Southwest right here in Ontario, no plane ticket required.
The park is open until October 30, so if you're in the Thunder Bay area, it's worth adding this to your autumn bucket list.
Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park
Price: $12.25 + day use fee
When: Until October 30, 2026
Address: Greenwich Lake Rd., Pass Lake, ON
From Your Site Articles
Keep reading
Show less
This Ontario village is a mini slice of Scotland with stone shops and historic charm
It's extra cozy during the autumn months. 🍁
Ontario is full of picturesque villages, but if you're looking for a place with a little European flair, you might want to take a road trip to this charming spot.
With quaint stone shops, historic architecture, and river views, it's a beautiful place to spend a day or longer.
The town is especially dreamy in autumn, when crisp leaves blanket the ground, and the little stores and cafes feel even cozier.
Perth is a charming Ontario town nestled along the Tay River, about an hour from Ottawa.
It was named after Perth, Scotland, and you can still see its Scottish roots reflected in the old-world buildings and quaint streets today.
According to the website, "you'll be amazed by the gorgeous heritage buildings lining the streets and the passageways that once served as horse lanes. With a Scottish influence, many of Perth's stone buildings were crafted by masons, making them a long-standing backdrop to the town's landscape. "
It's a magical spot to spend an afternoon sipping pumpkin spice lattes, wandering along leafy trails, and popping into local boutiques.
You can head to cozy cafes like Coutts Coffee Roastery & Cafe, North Folk Cafe, Jazzy's, and The Fieldhouse Bakery and Restaurant for warm drinks and cozy autumn vibes.
Since it just isn't fall without a sweet treat, you'll want to stop by Perth Pie Co., where you'll find everything from pumpkin pies to scones and gooey butter tarts.
There are lots of spots to grab a bite or enjoy a drink as well. The town's website highlights everything from "delicious pub eats to mouth-watering fine dining to thirst-quenching brews and spirits," so there's something for every taste.
Once you've satisfied your appetite, you can check out the Perth Museum, snap a photo with a replica of the town's famous giant "Mammoth Cheese," or wander around Code's Mill. This historic complex features five buildings and dates back to 1842, offering another glimpse into Perth's past.
Stewart Park is one of Perth's prettiest places to explore. Spanning five acres, the green space transforms into an autumn wonderland, with colourful foliage, winding walkways, and charming little bridges straight out of a storybook.
For more autumn views, you can follow the Tay River Towpath Trail for views of the river framed by brilliant red and golden leaves, or head to nearby Foley Mountain Conservation Area for sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside.
Perth Tourism suggests stopping on the bridge in Stewart Park or following the Tow Path toward Last Duel Park, where you can take in the colourful scenery along the way.
October also brings Halloween fun to town, with seasonal activities like ghost walks and trick-or-treating.
With its historic stone buildings, cozy cafes, Scottish charm, and parks filled with fall foliage, Perth makes a picturesque destination for an autumn day trip or weekend getaway.
Keep reading
Show less