[17] In February 2011, François Legault and Charles Sirois held a press conference to announce the formation of a movement called the Coalition pour l'avenir du Québec (lit.

On 14 November 2011, Legault held a press conference to launch the movement as a political party under the slightly modified name of Coalition Avenir Québec, unveiling a new logo at the same time.

The ADQ's four remaining MNAs—Sylvie Roy of Lotbinière, Janvier Grondin of Beauce-Nord, François Bonnardel of Shefford, and leader Gérard Deltell of Chauveau—joined the CAQ, boosting its caucus to nine.

[14] The TVA-sponsored second televised debate was noted as a turning point in the campaign and party leader François Legault's performance reflected positively on the CAQ's standing.

[citation needed] Therefore, early voting results revealed a disastrous outcome for the party, while ballots cast on Election Day were much more favourable.

In the Capitale-Nationale area, reputed for its conservative leanings and the influence of its talk-radio hosts, the Quebec Liberal Party won four of the six seats previously held by the CAQ.

[36] On 2 October 2017, Geneviève Guilbault won a byelection in the riding of Louis-Hébert that had long been held by the Quebec Liberal Party, winning over 51 per cent of the vote.

For instance, Patrick Légaré, a longtime PQ supporter from the longstanding sovereigntist stronghold of Terrebonne, told The Guardian that he decided to vote for the CAQ because he believed "the dream of a separate Quebec is dead."

The party also supports austerity "to provide the government with the flexibility it needs to adapt to the ongoing changes in the economy"; one measure specifically mentioned is leaving 6,000 open Hydro-Québec employment positions unfilled.

[56] The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) has adopted a notably restrictive stance on immigration, marking a significant shift in Quebec's traditionally welcoming approach to newcomers.

This policy shift was a central component of the CAQ's successful 2018 electoral campaign, which saw the party increase its parliamentary representation from 21 to 74 seats, securing an absolute majority in the National Assembly of Quebec.

Under the leadership of François Legault, the CAQ has argued that "Quebec has exceeded its integration capacity," advocating for a decrease in the number of admitted immigrants.

One of the most controversial proposals introduced by the CAQ is the requirement for immigrants to pass a French and culture examination after three years of residence in Quebec, with the potential consequence of expulsion for those who fail to meet the standards.

This measure aims to reinforce the province's commitment to preserving its French language and cultural identity, aligning with the provincial motto, "Je me souviens," which underscores the importance of collective memory, history, and traditions in Quebec society.

Critics argue that the reduction in immigration could adversely affect the province's economy, which relies heavily on foreign workers to fill approximately 100,000 vacant job positions.

[57] The CAQ's stance on immigration is part of a broader global trend where political leaders, such as Matteo Salvini of Italy, Viktor Orbán of Hungary, and Donald Trump of the United States, have promoted anti-immigration rhetoric in regions previously less influenced by such discourse.

This trend reflects emerging challenges in regions like Quebec, which have historically been open to immigration but are now grappling with concerns over cultural integration and economic demands.

While immigration has been a source of political division and the rise of extremism in various Western countries, Canada maintains a generally positive consensus on its value.

The human impact of these delays has been profound, with many families experiencing prolonged separation, leading to feelings of frustration and betrayal among Quebec residents awaiting reunification.

[59] Critics of the CAQ's family reunification policy argue that it represents a failure in both administrative efficiency and the party's capacity to uphold the fundamental values of Quebec society.

[59] According to data reported by the Journal de Montréal in July 2023, approximately 37,000 family sponsorship applications were pending, in stark contrast to the annual admission target of around 10,600 individuals.

"[62] According to the party, Quebec is defined by "its historical heritage, the French language, its democratic ideals and the principles of the secularity of the State, and equality among men and women".