Rhéal Fortin, MP for Rivière-du-Nord, had been serving as interim leader since Duceppe's resignation.

Ouellet's tenure was controversial due to her staunch separatist views, and, following a leadership vote, she was forced to resign in June 2018.

Martine Ouellet, 47, is the Parti Québécois MNA for Vachon (2010–present) and former Quebec Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife (2012–2014).

He announced his intention of running on February 1, 2017, but failed to obtain the required number of signatures before the end of the nomination period.

[9][10][11] Being the only candidate, Martine Ouellet won the election by default at the end of the nomination period, on March 14, 2017.