Quebec Liberals Defeat Separatists in Canadian Election

Quebec voters gave a majority mandate to the Liberal Party, led by neurosurgeon Philippe Couillard, after an election campaign focused on fears the separatist Parti Quebecois would seek another vote on splitting from Canada.

The Liberals were elected in 70 of 125 seats according to results compiled by the province’s chief electoral officer. The Parti Quebecois was reduced to 30 seats as incumbents across the French-speaking province, including Premier Pauline Marois, were defeated. Marois announced she would step down as party leader.