Ex-premier Jean Charest's son nominated for Liberals in Verdun

Antoine Dionne Charest, son of former Quebec premier Jean Charest, was formally nominated Wednesday night as the Quebec Liberal candidate in Montreal's Verdun riding.

Dionne Charest attended the nomination meeting with his mother and Liberal Leader Charles Milliard present. Jean Charest, who served as premier from 2003 to 2012, did not attend.

"My father inspired me to strive for excellence and to serve others," Dionne Charest said at the nomination meeting. "And I owe him a great debt of gratitude."

Milliard described Dionne Charest as a long-serving Liberal member and expressed hope he will be part of the party's renewal.

Verdun in southwestern Montreal was once a Liberal stronghold before falling to Québec solidaire in 2022.

Most polling suggests the Liberals are running second to the Parti Québécois ahead of the October 5 provincial election. The governing Coalition Avenir Québec, which sits third, is facing an exodus of elected members; more than 30 have announced their departures.