The news was met with thunderous applause at Liberal headquarters at the Corona Theatre. 
“During the entire campaign, we sent a message of Quebec reunification,” Anglade said during her address to supporters.  “Whether you voted for us or for another party, our door will always be open.”
While her speech was almost entirely in French, she turned during one sentence to speak directly to her English-speaking base. 
“Let me be clear: we will represent all Quebecers, every step of the way.”
With Anglade’s victory, the PLQ can breathe a sigh of relief after a campaign full of uncertainty about the future of the party.
That’s because many ridings traditionally considered deep-red Liberal strongholds in Montreal’s west side and Laval were covering up with increased support for other parties.  
There are several reasons for this shift — experts have chalked it up to dissatisfaction with the party’s performance during his last term.  Francois Legault’s Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) led a divisive first mandate defined by sweeping language and secularism legislation, and members of the Liberal base expressed their displeasure with the Liberals, who were unable to soften.
Quebec Liberal Leader Dominique Anglade hugs her daughter, Clara, after speaking to supporters following the provincial election results at PLQ headquarters in Montreal, Monday, Oct. 3, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

ROOM FOR REHABILITATION

Liberal leader Dominique Anglade was at a disadvantage throughout the campaign as a relatively unknown candidate, compared to Legault.  This was her first election as party leader and her support as a candidate has declined through it, with polls at times suggesting she may lose her own seat.
What voters can expect is a significantly weaker opposition than the Liberal Party has had in the past.  The National Assembly has changed quite a bit in recent decades as the province has moved out of its two-party paradigm.  Gone, for now, are the days of Liberal and Parti Quebecois dominance in Quebec politics — though the new era is still taking shape. 
“We are still here, we will rebuild stronger,” said Liberal Fabre candidate Monique Sauve.  He told CTV that he thought Anglade ran an “amazing campaign,” despite the limitations posed by the pandemic. 
“It’s been two years that people haven’t had to meet her,” he said. 
The party’s own members have acknowledged that the party needs some serious reflection if it hopes to regain power in provincial politics. 
Over the next four years, the Liberals will try to renew their relationship with French-speaking populations outside Montreal, where support for the party is weak.  It will also need to strengthen its base in Montreal, especially in the west of the city.
“Many liberals for a long time this time did not vote,” said veteran party member Carlos Leita.  “We need to continue to reach out to these people.” 
“The biggest challenge is to reach out to the rest of the province,” he added. 
— More details to come.