MONTREAL - As Quebec's Liberal Party prepares for life at the helm of a minority government, members say changes are needed to recapture electorate support.
The Liberals took advantage of a weekend-long general meeting in Montreal to discuss their future and bang out a new vision.
"I don't think that we've slipped, but humbly, we have to say we haven't been up to the task in recent months and recent years," Natural Resources Minister Claude Bechard said Saturday.
The Liberals eked out a minority government last March, winning just 48 of the province's 125 ridings.
The party has steadily lost support among francophones over the years.
Longtime national assembly member Pierre Paradis said power has taken its toll on the Liberals, who have led the government since 2003.
"It does not only touch the QLP (Quebec Liberal Party), but all political parties in their second mandate," he said.
"But when you realize there is a problem and you are looking for your second wind . . . you don't take any chances."
Recent polls have also suggested that Liberal Premier Jean Charest has lagged behind Action democratique du Quebec Leader Mario Dumont and Parti Quebecois Leader Pauline Marois in popularity.
But Health Minister Philippe Couillard, who many believe could one day be Charest's successor, gave a nod of support to his boss.
"I am very much at ease with the idea of defending Mr. Charest," said Couillard.
"I cannot stop people from saying what they want, but myself, I do my work, I am loyal to my leader and I will always be."
