Candidate Withdraws
Ottawa residents who cross the river into the Outaouais for work or family will want to know about a shakeup just over the provincial line. Éric Lanthier, the Conservative Party of Quebec's candidate for the riding of Pontiac, withdrew his candidacy on September 9, 2026.
Lanthier, a pastor by profession, stepped down after the Journal de Montréal published a story detailing anti-abortion and homophobic remarks he made over several years.
What the Reporting Found
The reporting laid out a pattern going back more than a decade. In 2015, Lanthier said it was "the sexual act between two men or two women that makes me uncomfortable," and separately argued the "LGBT lobby won the ideological battle by making them believe that a homosexual relationship was of the same type as a heterosexual union."
Lanthier also held the vice-presidency of Uni-T, Voix pour les valeurs chretiennes until 2021. In 2020, he signed a brief opposing bans on conversion therapy. On abortion, he took part in a 2019 march against the practice and said in 2023 that he would "reopen the debate" on the issue.
Why He Stepped Down
Party leader Éric Duhaime said Lanthier chose to step aside rather than become a liability for the campaign. "He didn't want to be a distraction for the party. I accepted his withdrawal," Duhaime said, adding in French: "Il ne voulait pas être une distraction pour le parti. J'ai accepté son retrait."
"Je ne suis pas dans la culture de l'annulation," he said, meaning he does not subscribe to cancel culture. But he was equally clear about where the party itself stands: "Le Parti conservateur du Québec, c'est un parti pro-choix. Il n'est pas question que ça change," he said, meaning the party is pro-choice and that will not change.
What Lanthier Said
In stepping down, Lanthier offered his own description of himself. "I am a man who respects people, regardless of their orientation, ethnic origin, or decisions," he said.
Reaction From Other Parties
The remarks drew a sharp response from outside the Conservative Party of Quebec. Quebec Liberal Party leader Charles Milliard said he was taken aback by what surfaced. "J'ai été... je ne sais même pas quel mot utiliser... j'ai été choqué," he said, meaning he was shocked and struggled to find the word for it.
Why It Matters Here
No word yet from the party on who, if anyone, will replace Lanthier on the ballot.
Sources: The Equity, Noovo Info
